First Impressions - National Printmaking Exhibition

I'm very pleased to report that I have had a print accepted to this National Printmaking Exhibition which opens on the 9th October and runs for a month.

It's a wonderful opportunity to exhibit alongside many very talented and skilled artists. 

Thanks to the Mairangi Arts Centre for the opportunity.

Group Printmaking Exhibition

Less than a week now til our group printmaking exhibition. 

If you are in town, come along.

Artworks are for sale.

Perhaps a chance for some early Christmas shopping? 

Drinks, nibbles, live music and LOTS of art.

The Trust Awards Show also opens on the Corban Estate on Thursday 3rd so make an evening of it.

Woodblock printing - on a bigger scale

As I prepare work for a group printmaking exhibition I have wanted to create work of a varied nature while still keeping to the theme of my current work which is to do with the ebb and flow of the tides and the detritus left behind in rock pools. I got this idea that some of the imagery I had been using, such as the seaweed pods and feathers, would look interesting printed on sheer fabric that was able to move in a breeze.

I started by carving large woodblocks on any largish "scraps" of MDF (customwood) I could find in the workshop. I used woodcutting chisels, a drill press and finally a scroll saw to cut out the shapes.To give an idea of scale, the feather is about 50cm long.

I printed the blocks onto sheer voile layed out across my lounge floor. Using water-based inks, I would ink up the block, position it, then stand on it to press it. I had an idea of composition and layout before I started but it more or less just developed as I worked. I have layered up multiple prints, printed onto both sides of the fabric and mixed subtle colour changes to attempt to portray an illusion of depth.

I suspect that this may be very addictive as it was exciting to see the design evolve and it was certainly an interesting way of working to be printing on both sides of a substrate. All I can say is "watch this space."

100 Days project - mission accomplished!

My completed Pocket sized visual diary.

This year's 100 day project started way back on June 7th and finished on September 14th (yesterday) with a show which was open to the public until Sunday afternoon. It was fantastic meeting other 100-dayers and sharing our tales of highs and lows. It was amazing to see how much creativity there was going on in the community from people of all ages and abilities. There were the ultra polished, very professional projects by graphic artists and photographers, through to family projects and also the most endearing projects completed by children. Everyone agreed that it was a wonderful experience to take part in and although it required a lot of stamina and commitment, the sense of achievement was great. I'm sure everyone has learnt a little something more about themselves and their abilities and for many it will be a stepping stone to more challenges. Although everyone was heaving a huge sigh of relief that it was over, the conversations didn't take long til someone uttered the words "next time I'm going to...." .... yeah, nah.... we'll see.....

You can view my earlier posts on my 100 Days Project, 2013 HERE.

Here are few highlights of the last few days...

Day 87: The Barrel Store - our venue for a print group exhibition

Day 96: Rock pools - a current fascination.

Day 90: spent framing works for an upcoming exhibition.

Day 98: Puss sitting up at the table opposite me.

Day 99: RIP little pen, you served me well.

Day 100: The End.

Mermaid spoons

This is my response to the lovely wee Mermaid spoons I saw online on Frankie Magazine a while ago.My window sills and decks are strewn with many beach combing treasures that follow me home so I'm wrapped to find a creative outlet to use them.