Forest Biometrics

I designed an intelligent pawn, called Equoi. It is in essence a simple concept, like that of the barometer or thermometer. It measures the mood of an object, place or process. The pawn is virtually full of sensors. Its application is easy: just put it on the table, ask your question, wait a moment and Equoi tells you the how and the what.

© Jack Kruf (2019) Forest Biometrics [3d-print]. Breda: Private collection
Here the global state of the forests is measured. What emerges is a result with a highly fragmented pattern. Indeed most of the forests are reduced, exploited, intersected. Deforestation has done its work and continues to do so. The left islands of forest, sometimes no more than ‘a group of trees’, are almost too small to survive as an ecosystem.

Wild life

Ladybugs, dogs, owls, otters: Charley Harper’s geometric illustrations are more than a source of delight. With a never-ending curiosity for the natural world, especially for wildlife and flora, Harper developed a unique style that influenced generations of artists and designers.

Wild Life: the life and work of Charley Harper, published by Gestalten, celebrates the centenary and legacy of Charley Harper, a master of midcentury American illustration: a vast collection of works originally created as posters, magazine covers, murals, and more.

Compiled by design writer Margaret Rhodes and the artist’s son, Brett Harper, this definitive monograph offers a glimpse into Harper’s creative universe and considers him anew in different contexts: as a student, a professional artist, a husband, an honorary naturalist, and a conservationist.

Telling the story of his life and of his masterpieces, Wild Life is essential for enthusiasts of the American master and for anyone interested in midcentury visual culture.

Value creation

C4C Value creation [fine art print, 1/1] by Jack Kruf (2019)

The story behind

Value creation is a challenging task when it is related to public values for citizens and society. This is most often inspired and promoted by non-profit organisations (orange). It is about the art of navigation between the system world (black) of rules and regulations on one hand and the living world (white) of daily life on the other hand. Investment power (grey) is crucial, in fact a starting point for good public governance in the creation of values.

Wall art

This rectangle archival pigment print of the city canvas with Pantone® colors Carrot Curl, Jet Black, Silver and Snow White. It is a reflective look for home and office interiors. It is still reminder of the hard work necessary for success.

Product Information

Price: sold

Dimensions: 19 x 19 cm

Limited edition print (1/1) on Hahnemühle fine art paper German Etching ®, 310 gsm, 100% α-cellulose · white · genuine mould-made paper, acid- and lignin-free, ISO 9706 compliant and museum quality for high age resistance. It has an extraordinary velvety tactile feel and a fine, clearly defined felt structure. The unique surface texture adds a very special touch to images, showcasing them in all their splendour with impressive three-dimensional effect and depth.

Freedom

Jack Kruf (2018) Freedom [fine art print, 1/1, sold]. Poppel, Belgium: Private collection.

Freedom is one of the highest personal values. It finds its build-up (among others) in the feeling of walking in the pristine snow (white), the cloud illusions (grey), the ability to sport, dance, travel and recreate (brown) and the expression in music art and culture (yellow). A personal expression.

Leaf ’68’

Can this leaf of a Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’ L.) tell the story of a stage, a feeling, an age? Can it be a metaphor for actual fitness, vitality, resilience while representing the signs of life?

I found this leaf near the sacred burial place of my grandparents, where the high slender trees touch the heaven. I spend some time with it. My pencils found their way.

’68’ is a number to be respected and to be remembered. It’s delta shaped form indicates that keep learning is an important implicit message. Its fine geometric architecture also reflects the basic forms of the trees carrying the branches and leafs. In fact it showcases how nature masters its morphogenetic and physiologic plan for growth and development. A wise leaf it is.

Bibliography

Kruf, J.P. (2022) Leaf ’68’ [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.