Five printers make an impression

- By Julia Wade

A recent collaboration to bring the world of printmaking alive by a quintet of local artists has been met with enthusiasm and praise from both participants and fellow artists.

Combining their extensive talents in an exhibition that doubled as a workshop, Nicola Everett, Lynn Middleton, Rosina Kamphuis, Gayle Forster and Wendy Clifford – aka ‘Five Impressions’ – hoped to inspire the community’s interest in both contemporary and ancient printmaking practices held at Mangawhai Artists Gallery from October 13-24.

Spokesperson for the group, Rosina Kamphuis, says the five printmakers are very happy with the outcome from weeks of hard work and planning, which included transforming the gallery’s doors into ‘a shattering blue entrance for a flamboyant and surprising statement’ and offering blue jelly beans as a treat for mini-artists.

“The exhibition came together beautifully… the response of the public was what all creators would hope for – audible ‘wows’ on entry, personal and often emotional communication with the content of the artworks, interest in and engagement with the technical display and demonstrations, great numbers of visitors and a good number of sales.”

The event attracted nearly 300 people, curious to give the five printing methods (monotype, collagraphy, etchings dry point, wood block and traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e) a go and to view the artist’s own work using these styles.

Photographer Jeanette Vickers, and recent winner of the 3D Kaipara Art Awards, Elena Nikolaeva, were among the local artists who attended the display and were both delighted over the workshops content.

“I was absolutely stunned by the theatre component of the exhibition. From the newly painted dark turquoise door this wonderful exhibition unfolded. People participating, having a go, amongst much laughter,” Jeanette says. “The printmaker’s works displayed on walls and tables showed a different print process and the individual artist’s passions in subject matter - it was pure experience for the soul.”

Patron of MAI, Malcolm Roberts, also visited the event and says he was impressed with the impact of the exhibition, admiring the technical skills and

how the ‘information panels displayed the hands-on skills involved in these ancient arts’.

Due to the success and positive feedback of the printmakers show, the group have decided to make the workshop an annual event in Mangawhai.

“Five Impressions will be back in 2018,” Kamphuis says. “Watch this space!” n For more events and information view mangawhaiartists.co.nz

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Printmaker and artist Nicola Everett (second from left) checks out the results with keen printing enthusiasts.