Posts Tagged ‘printmaking’

Treasures Lost and Found

Posted on: November 10th, 2013 by jmbroekman 2 Comments
trees-litho-290w

Happy finds in my mouse and squirrel ridden loft

Serious demolition has begun in the studio. Half the building is down to bare studs. The chore that I was most dreading – cleaning out the loft space – is pretty much complete. There is little that can’t be done when you put a mask on your face and your mind to that which seems insurmountable. It was disgusting up there. But lo and behold, even though I thought every last thing was going to find it’s way to the dump or a bonfire, I was wrong.

I knew my old prints of many moons ago were there, but I dared not hope they’d be anything salvageable. There were several old portfolios, all zippered up and miracle of miracles, un-infested. What a great surprise I got when I finally hauled the portfolios down and opened them up. The contents within were pristine.

I’m pretty sure the litho at left was done when I lived in NY and worked at the Art Student’s League. That would’ve been over 30 years ago

Making Prints with Akua Inks

Posted on: October 29th, 2013 by jmbroekman 1 Comment
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Between Ink and Paper: Printmaking with Catherine Kernan

Among the many gifts of being a member of the Peregrine Press is the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of artist led workshops. With many thanks to all the Peregrine Press members and contributors to the Kate Mahoney Memorial Fund who made this possible, a group of us spent this past weekend learning from Boston area artist, Catherine Kernan. Catherine, a co-founder of Mixit Print Studio in Somerville, works “at the interface between printmaking and painting” – a notion that speaks directly to the work I have been involved in for the past 30 years.

Akua inks are a less-toxic water and soy based ink developed by a pair of printmakers concerned with both their own health and that of the planet. While I am loathe to give up all my beautiful traditional inks, there is a lot to be said for making the switch. Not least of which is that the clean up is a snap, and does not involve any solvents. It also deserves to be said that trying new materials has always been a route to opening new doors, and finding new paths to travel. So, while I am emptying my studio at home for renovations, I can look forward to several concentrated months this winter in the print studio exploring yet more new ways of working.

Many many thanks to Catherine, and all my fellow Peregrine printmakers for the inspiration and energy you brought to the studio this weekend. Hi ho hi ho it’s off to work we go … !

Autumn in the air

Posted on: November 3rd, 2012 by jmbroekman 2 Comments
Ink on the tablePalette knifeplate

And I am itching to work

It’s almost time to hibernate in the studio for the winter. I am so looking forward to it. There’s a print project to do, and lots of half baked work sitting around screaming to be finished. So, stay tuned for new work to be posted in the coming months!

Print/Counter-Print

Posted on: February 28th, 2012 by jmbroekman
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Print/Counter-Print at Rose Contemporary

March 2nd through April 13th, Rose Contemporary in Portland, Maine is hosting a show featuring the work of artists from Peregrine Press and Zea Mays Printmaking Studios as well as introducing Maine College of Art Printmaking Students. Although I am across the pond, I will have work included in this show from the series of work shown at left (though not this particular piece). The show will travel to Zea Mays in Florence, Massachusetts in April.

Opening reception: Friday March 2nd, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Free public lecture: “Growing a Sustainable Printmaking Community” by Liz Chaflin, founder of Zea Mays, Saturday March 3rd, 6:30 PM in the MECA Osher Lecture Hall. This talk is sponsored by the Kate Mahoney Memorial Fund of the Peregrine Press

Rose Contemporary
492 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
207.780.0700

Wednesday – Saturday, 1:00-6:00PM
www.rosecontemporary.com

Check it out if you are in the area!

Tanti Auguri

Posted on: December 24th, 2011 by jmbroekman
auguri-stitched

Ho Ho Ho.

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season, however and whatever you may be celebrating. May 2012 bring light, warmth, and plenty of laughter your way.

Tanti Auguri (best wishes) from us in Italy!