David Versluis
My two-dimensional artworks combine representational images with abstract graphic elements that form permutations. These permutations result in images with strong visual dynamics and suggestive metaphors that signify some of the cultural complexities and responsibilities about our stewardship of the natural world. My three-dimensional artworks are transformations, which reflect the integral process of reclaiming industrial materials combined with visual impressions.
Versluis Collaborative Works (Roy R. Behrens)
This series of ten large-scale digital montages, called the Iowa Insect Series, were made in 2012-2013 in collaboration with my design colleague and friend David M. Versluis. At the time, he was a Professor of Art and Design at Dordt College in Iowa, while I was then on the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa. We became acquainted initially at several design conferences, and soon became friends.
These particular works began when David made high resolution digital scans of various insect specimens from his collection. We then worked together—but always from a distance, by email—by what might be referred to as “blind collaboration.” To begin, he would email me one of the insect image scans. I then did something to alter or augment that image (somewhat like a move in chess), and returned the result by email to him.
He then made additional alterations, and sent that second result to me. We continued blindly, back and forth, exchanging subsequent alterations, until we both began to sense that the work was nearing completion. We never backtracked, nor did either of us ever question the decisions of the other. Throughout the process, there was no explicit discussion about what direction to take, except in the sense of detecting when the work was all but finished. We did this on ten occasions, and what you see here are the ten montages that we produced.
David Versluis works extensively as an artist, teacher, and graphic designer. He actively produces prints and sculpture, exhibiting regularly in international, national and curated art exhibitions. Versluis has had solo exhibitions at Trinity Christian College, Indiana and Purdue Universities at Fort Wayne, Chicago State University, South Suburban College (in collaboration with Roy R. Behrens), Dordt University, Luther College, and Simpson College.
Versluis’s larger-scale sculptures have recently been selected for year-long display by the Sioux City Art Center | Sculpt Siouxland Inc., Sioux City, Iowa; Public Art Edina (Minnesota); and permanent display on the Dordt University campus. Additionally, he was a contributing artist in the “Geometric Complexions” exhibition in 2017, curated by Sergio Gomez for the Zhou B Art Center, Chicago.
Versluis is professor emeritus of art at Dordt University. Versluis’s significant contributions in displaying visual art on Dordt’s campus were recognized in 2019 when he received the annual faculty / administration Noteworthy Scholarship award.
Versluis holds a M.F.A. from Western Michigan University and a B.F.A. from Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.