The Goatskin Triptych exists as a series. The goatskins had been cast aside at Pergamena because of their “cracked grains,” which rendered them unsuitable for writing and for sale. I was drawn to the challenge of repairing them, and after several rounds of sanding, was able to achieve a smooth surface. I proceeded to write on the works with sign-painters pens, metal nibs, and gouache. The goal with these goatskins was to use complementary lettering styles, gouache, and decoration to create three unique pieces that live in communion with each other. The resulting imagery references and deconstructs illuminated medieval manuscripts.

Goatskin Triptych III is part of Madison’s MFA thesis exhibition, Glimpsing Mirrors. The work is about internal dialogue, isolation, and loneliness.