Robert K. Scripps
“Kit” Scripps is “semi- retired” from a diverse vocational background, which has included broadcasting, cultural anthropology and real estate development. He is currently pursuing his long held interests in a wide range of things including nature, travel, boating, wood carving, writing, art collecting and photography. Although his primary residence is Wyckoff, New Jersey, Kit spends much of his time in New York City, where he maintains an apartment, and on the North Fork of Long Island.
Wood has always been a passion for Kit. His carving efforts began in earnest in the late 1990’s with self-taught efforts at precision bird carving. He subsequently received three years of training in wood carving technique at the American Woodworking School in Wayne, New Jersey.
After completing several intricate bird carvings, Kit ventured into more abstract designs using the human figure, and the enhancement of natural objects and shapes. He works with a variety of hardwoods with interesting colors, grains and textures. Although Kit’s creations are entirely original, he admits to being greatly inspired by such masters as Modigliani, Moore and Degas, and by the natural world.
Kit still favors wood as his primary medium, but he has recently begun reproducing various of his creations using a number of different materials including bronze and marplex. He intends to make limited copies of those of his pieces which he feels lend themselves to these alternative media. Kit believes that bronze patinas work well with the abstract colors, shapes, tones and textures of the original wood pieces. In this endeavor, he is working closely with Domenico Ranieri, owner of Renieri Casting and a third generation master of casting and patina application, in New York City. These signed works will be limited to 100 numbered copies.