CCC Summer Printmaking Class Exhibition at AVA Gallery
Clatsop Community College
1653 Jerome, Astoria OR 97103
For immediate release
Contact: Kristin Shauck (503) 338-2472
Students enrolled in the CCC Printmaking class this summer will be exhibiting their work in a show at the AVA Gallery that will run Saturday, September 8th from 2 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 9th from 2 to 6 p.m. Instructor Kristin Shauck says that she wanted to create an environment of exploration and experimentation by introducing a variety of techniques that students could take in an individual direction. Vicki Baker, a local artist who participated in the class and has studied previously under Royal Nebeker at CCC and also with printmakers Cathy Taylor and Marcia Stewart in Flordia, explains the process of monoprinting, a printing process which usually begins by using printing inks to make an image on a Plexiglass plate: “ I create various effects by removing areas of ink, painting, texturing the surface, or printing a succession of plates. Once the image on the plate is created, the ink is transferred to the paper by rolling the plate through a press. I love the fact that each monotype is unique, and has both planned and unplanned qualities. ”
Greg Darms, another local artist who participated in the class, explains that the appeal of monoprinting for him lies in its immediacy. “Working mostly with water-based inks, my process is more compactly time-based. I am fascinated with the often surprising results of conceptual planning and serendipity in preparation of the plates combined with the intense physicality of the making of the impression,” he explains.
On the other hand, Nathan Paddock, who was introduced to printmaking for the first time this summer, prefers working with oil based inks. “The versatility, richness, depth, and character of these inks kept my mind connected to the art work. I became more involved with the art as a result. As an artist I like to have a very fluid approach and don’t like to linger to long on any one thing accept perhaps the evaluation of my work,” he stated.
Tim Liddiard, who holds a degree in mathematics from Portland State, is interested in integrating mathematical concepts with printmaking. “In this show, I will be exhibiting prints that I created by experimenting with an approach using mathematical randomness combined with the artistic process.”
Siobhan Murphy, a beginning printmaking student who just recently started taking art classes this year for the first time since grade school, enjoys the experimental aspect of printmaking, and draws on personal experience as subject matter for her images. “I know everyday life, past events, emotions, and experiences have influenced what I produce in my art. I love the creativity and what I would call the magic which flows from the heart out through the senses.”
Artists exhibiting in the show are Vicki Baker, Carol Barth, Melissa Collier, Greg Darms, Kirsten Horning, Timothy Liddiard, Siobhan Murphy, Nathanael Paddock, and Arielle Vestal. A reception for the artists will be held at the AVA Gallery, 453 11th Street, Astoria, on the Second Saturday of September (September 8th), from 5 to 9 p.m.
© Timothy Liddiard