Life In The Fast Lane | February Update from Jo
I have been told that the blog can be as long as you want ! Word of warning it has been a busy month!
Febrary Workshop 1. Tuggeranong Introduction to gelli printing
Gelli printing is a form of monoprinting that uses flexible gelatin based printing plates to create images in layers of texture, design and colour. During this workshop the participants explored some of the many possibilities of this exciting medium in a fun and fearless manner incorporating textures of found materials, botanical elements, stencils and brush marks. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore fully but through the second school term we will be following up with a 6 week course to build up monoprinting techniques on the gelli plate with the ultimate goal of creating an artists book .
February Workshop 2. At the Village Gallery Sutton Mixing Print media Workshop
I am forever inspired by the expressive possibilities in making original prints. In planning this workshop I wanted to allow the participants to be inspired in a similar way by creating plates of different media and using them in combination. They were encouraged to use nature inspired imagery to achieve prints full of colour and texture.
In the process we covered the finer points of mixing and manipulating ink on the plate.
On the first day we created our plates of equal size. A drypoint etching which is in very basic terms a drawing on a surface, plastic, Perspex, cardboard or metal with a needle. This drawn line creates a burr which can hold ink and can be printed like an etching. The character of the line can be bold and rough or soft like a pencil drawing. Colour can be added or the image can be inked up in different ways
Collagraph plates are produced by building up layers of low-relief patterns with a mix of modelling media such as polyfila and molding paste. Found, flat objects can be glued and carborundum and pumice can be added to create darker tones. Once sealed and dry, the plate surface can be inked up and the image transferred to paper in various ways. This is an exciting experimental printmaking method. The resulting print can be an unexpected surprise.
Having to cover quite a bit of ground, the workshop ticked along at quite a fast pace. Students left with new skills and a better understanding of the printing processes and using the press. Everyone experimented to create a set of proofs plus left with beautiful unique prints and an enthusiasm for further learning.
A New Gallery invitation from Wagga Wagga, Unique State Arts Space.
Gallery owner/tutor/manager of all things print and creativity Elain Camblin runs a lovely eclectic space which supports and encourages community activities and skills development.
I really liked the name which is based on the indicator of a one off print when signed “U/S (unique state): an original impression unlike any other”. My first foray with U/S is the Autumn exhibition “Reimaging Landscape” where artists can express a view of the environment in any way they choose. Quite a diverse range of art and from Elaine’s socials it was a great opening. This exhibition runs for the whole of Autumn.
Works available from “Reimaging Landscape” U/S WaggaWagga
While dropping off my works we took the opportunity to visit the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery . Current Exhibitions | Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
On exhibition coincidentally was “Staying with the Trouble” by 4 local artists which I had the pleasure of seeing recently at the Belconnen Arts Centre.
Staying with the Trouble is an exhibition featuring large scale experimental drawings resulting from a year of discussions and critiques between four established artists, Linda Dening, Kim Mahood, Sally Simpson, and Wendy Teakel.
The artists reference the ideas of author Donna Haraway, whose book ‘Staying with the trouble’ asks us to stay with-in, live with-in and be with-in this planet; to take responsibility and action regarding the current crisis of life in our damaged world.
"Initially, the common theme of Staying with the Trouble centred around living on the land and concern for landscape and its conservation, constantly re-considering our positions in the land we love and care for. As the project evolved we understood that our drawing practices were a mirror of that process, of constantly re-considering and problem solving. As artists we all encountered the problems of pushing a work too far, losing it, staying with it, abandoning it and recovering it. Drawing is its own form of Staying with the Trouble"
I was inspired all over again.
Also in a separate gallery purpose built for glass “Shattering the Glass Ceiling” A Spectacular space in that it created such an impression of openness and light which was perfect for the glassworks being exhibitied. Blown away both with the work but also the space. Just in time for International womens day too !!
“Working with glass was once seen as a largely masculine pursuit due to the hot and heavy labour involved in factory like conditions. Today, we see a reversal of such gendered practice. Shattering the Glass Ceiling showcases the work of over 20 women artists from the National Art Glass Collection including, Kate Baker, Clare Belfrage, Jessica Loughlin, Judi Elliott, Kathy Elliott and Nancy Yu. Not to be left out were some of Canberras notable glass artists, Jenni Kamerre Martinello, Luna Ryan and Hariet Schwarzrock. It celebrates their exceptional practice, advanced technique and contribution to Australian and international studio glass over the past two decades
Val Johnson “Meandering along the Murray” at Strathnairn Arts
One local event which I wanted to share was the opening of Val Johnsons exhibition “Meandering along the Murray” at Strathnairn this exhibition runs until March 28th.
www.berylbrush.com Read Val’s blogpost of her adventures
PAINTING WITH FRIENDS AROUND THE MURRAY. March 6-10, 2023 — Val Johnson - Beryl Brush and how the exhibition came together. As always it is a joyous celebration of the landscape and tinged with humour. Any one of them could happily grace my walls
