My current show at the Upstairs Art Gallery in Healdsburg, California, is titled “Reclamation.” We hear of reclaiming land, reclaiming our spirit, reclaiming peace after war. All forms of reclamation are valuable. Reclamation is making something useful from something that was not. Reclamation is the opposite of waste.
In these works of mixed media collage, I was inspired to reclaim previous monotypes that never seemed to stand alone as completed art. I found patterns, colors, and images that I wanted to put together in new ways. I think of reclamation as a valuable process of creating something new from something old, recognizing new images by putting together and juxtaposing pieces from old work and making new connections.
In the process, I am also reclaiming feelings that were hidden from me when the work was in its original form. The feeling is akin to looking through old photos and reclaiming the memories held within them, finding new meaning from a new perspective. I hope the viewer can make connections to my work and discover the value of reclamation in their own life.
Art has been part of my life since my earliest memories. I earned a degree in art history in college but have always loved studio art and have pursued learning new techniques throughout my life, studying in various locations and with various teachers in northern California and Mexico. Currently, I volunteer monitoring the print studio at the Sonoma Community Center where I create most of my work. I also teach classes there in printmaking.
Monotype printmaking (or monoprinting) is a process where a clear plate is used to create an image which is then transferred to paper using a printing press. Unlike etching or woodcarving which allow multiple copies, each monotype is unique and original.
Please check the website upstairsartgallery.net for information about hours and our reception.