Breathing in the Mountain's Heart (2001)

A hand-signed, original intaglio limited edition artwork, by Simon Lee Robson.

Breathing in the Mountain's Heart (2001) is hand-signed, titled, numbered, and dated. Displayed on Velin d’ARCHES 300gsm paper, with a deckled edge.

Following The Black Rain Engravings | 2024, Part 2 of this special collection for 2025 presents an expanded selection of Simon Lee Robson’s rare and masterfully crafted original intaglio prints, unseen for over twenty years.

Over two decades ago, Robson embarked on a journey to the Far East, to the Land of the Rising Sun, seeking creative renewal on a sabbatical that would take him far from the bustling streets of the metropolis and into the quietude of a hidden print shop. The unassuming building, tucked away from sight, housed a traditional atelier where he would spend his days. Here, surrounded by traditional tools and the faint scent of ink, Robson dedicated himself to the meticulous art of intaglio, engraving visions onto copper plates in a process that demanded both precision and patience.

In contrast to the previous collection, in which Robson explored the haunting beauty of Christian iconography, the second part draws on the profound philosophy of Buddhism and his own spiritual reveries, resulting in a series designed to capture the viewer’s imagination and provoke thought. On these copper plates, engraved with careful lines and imbued with intention, Robson wove in his dreams and fantastical interpretations, melding tradition with his unique aesthetic, rooted in Buddhist influences, which lends a contemporary edge to the work. These intaglio prints became revered pieces within the small community that viewed them, but were soon locked away when he returned home to England, with the original copper plates having since been lost or destroyed.

Now, after remaining unseen for over two decades, Simon Lee Robson and Arte Delux have retrieved these original intaglio prints from archival storage, allowing a new generation to witness their beauty. The intricate details and intensity captured in these works serve as a reminder of the dedication, mystery, and quiet power that defined Robson’s sabbatical in Japan, where he blended faith and fantasy into spectacular compositions that continue to resonate with audiences today.

A limited edition of original intaglio prints on Velin d’ARCHES paper was produced from each engraved plate. Each piece is hand-signed, titled, numbered, and dated. Accompanying the main edition, a small number of Artist’s Proofs and Hors Commerce editions are available, offering a rare opportunity to acquire these exclusive variants.

Type
Original

Edition of
20

Medium

• Fine art print
• Engraving

Year of creation
2001

Year of release
2025

Subject

• Spirituality
• People
• Landscapes