Animalia International Print Exchange 2015
Animals, so many to admire and such an inspiration for my art practice. When I was introduced to printmaking by Jo Hollier, I discovered a whole new world and technique to which I could utilise the many drawings I have tucked away in my studio.
In 2013, I participated in the Animalia International Print Exchange with my Intaglio Etching of a Brushtail possum. This Print Exchange was created by the Printmaking Sisters – Robin Ezra and Annie Day, to raise funds for the World Animal Protection in their endeavours to help support animals worldwide.
Intaglio Drypoint Etching 2013 Animalia International Print Exchange
“World Animal Protection vision: a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended. World Animal Protection exists to tackle animal cruelty across the globe. We work directly with animals and with the people and organisations that can ensure animals are treated with respect and compassion.” http://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/
Each artist prints an edition of 10 prints for the Print Exchange, of which, one is exhibited, one is sold to the public and the remaining 8 are exchanged with the other printers in the Print Exchange. Each print is strictly of the size 12 x 12 cm with the images being printed on any part of the paper.
Animalia 2013, raised over $4200 of much needed funds. Animalia 2013 was exhibited in Bowral, Sydney, Iowa, United States, Il Bisonte – Florence, Italy and is now housed in the National Gallery of Australia.
Last time I decided to feature the Brushtail Possum as I have been able to sit and watch them on my parent’s farm in Northern NSW.
This year the choice was an easy one after having spent a day visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House in New Zealand in 2013. The kiwis were an absolute delight to view, their personalities are so charming as they explore the terrain of their habitats. Sadly their numbers are in decline and not for profit organisations such as The Kiwi House are doing their best to support the kiwi by providing research and breeding programs. Being a nocturnal bird, viewing them in darkness is a challenge when sketching them, but I managed to capture the elements of the birds on the day.
I discovered printing on a Pasta Press through the Printmaking Sisters website. Not being able to get to a print studio too often, I decided to give it a go. It’s been an interesting process, learning which settings to use. I’m really pleased with the prints that have resulted.
These prints have now been sent to the printmaking sisters for the exchange and exhibition at the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral this year. All prints will be available from the website as well, please take time to visit the website and consider purchasing one of the beautiful prints to assist in the conservation of animals of our world.
The Printmaking Sisters now have a special offer for the remaining prints available from the 2013 Print Exchange, five randomly selected Animalia prints are now only $25 including post, with all monies pledged to World Animal Protection. You can find more information on the Animalia website here: http://www.annieday.com.au/#!animalia/c1dg3
While you are there you can also see this year’s prints on offer. Already there are so many gorgeous prints that have been sent in from around the world.
Are you participating in the Animalia International Print Exchange? Or have you printed on a Pasta Maker? I’d love to hear about it – please leave a comment below! Have a great week ~ K
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]