It's really sad when kids say, I'm not a good drawer. I always think, You're just a kid, how come you've given up so early?
That’s the wonderful thing about printmaking. It's a true medium. It takes your drawing, no matter how mundane and imbues it with something that makes it art. One of my printmaking teachers was always telling us that SHE was a terrible drawer and she’s still a professional artist. She taught us to get images and pictures from everywhere, that it doesn't matter; trace, photocopy, collage, draw, whatever it takes to make the work.
And that's what my little printmakers have been doing. They find their reference, we adjust the size on the photocopier and trace, rearrange or draw freehand. Then, there's the carving to be done. That's when their own hand gives the work its character. Of course, inking up the block is always a surprise, but the print is the best part leaving the printmaker to sometimes wonder,
"How did I do that?"
Above is a sampling of just a few of the beautiful pieces the children have been producing.
Wow. They look great. Maybe I should try printmaking because I'm not a very good drawer either!
ReplyDeleteThey do look great - but, (forgive me - I've got this thing about the rights of the artist) I'm wondering whether you had a conversation with the kids about reproducing their work? let alone with no attribution. Would it be ok if someone did that to your work? is it ok becos they're kids
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ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous, I certainly did have a conversation with the kids about reproducing their work here. They love to have their work on the blog. I don't attribute the work to each artist here is because I need to be protective of the childrens' privacy and am concerned to even put their first names on this public forum. If my work was randomly on the internet without being attributed to me, I would not be pleased, however if it was presented as part of a group exhibition, I would be satisfied with that. - Teresa C-L
ReplyDeleteWhat great work! Well done kids! Looking forward to seeing more! Marjory G
ReplyDeleteWow - so defensive. Didn't mean to cause offense, just raising the issue and I think it's a worthwhile one. (Particularly when you carry #ARTSVIC funding), You're accountable. I've worked in c'mty arts for many years with kids and adults. Maybe when you include photos from a project like this you could say something like - kids permission given for reproduction of these images but attribution anonymous for privacy or some such so that the audience knows you're aware of and respecting copyright law. And by the way - why have comments if you're so antsy when you receive them. If it's just adoration you're after you could call this section such
ReplyDeleteoh! Looks like my comment was lost, anyway, all I was saying was that as someone who also is not a good drawer I love the way these prints manage to free up the 'inner artist'. They are fabulous work! Must try it sometime with the Flipster. (off to search for links now........)
ReplyDeleteWhat clever little puppies. They must have a great teacher :)
ReplyDeleteThe first one reminds me of the book cover of a Who Dunnit I read when I was about ten, kids being detectives and stuff... I don't know, there's just something about it that reminds me about sitting in freezing Germany under about 10 duvets in my "full house" bed, reading until the cows came home, snow falling outside soft and white...
Love the reindeer. Wonder is someone could do an Airedale :)
Dear Anonymous, I was a little defensive wasn't I? I have adjusted the blog in the manner you have suggested. I like to think I attend to my responsibilities toward this project thoroughly but you have pointed out where I have been amiss. I understand the great privilege and responsibility it is to have this grant and am sad to think that was not apparent in the way I presented their work.I welcome all comments (within reason) on this site, which is why I published yours - an important point to be made.
ReplyDeleteThey look fantastic! The kids must be so proud of themselves.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a more beautiful way to introduce these prints. Thank you for giving those blossoming self-esteems some gentle nurturing. I am sure some healing was done that day...
ReplyDeleteYAY you have put one of my prints on the blog and i am sooo happy....ive had lots of fun doing the l.c(lino cuts!)
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YEAH thanks Theresa thats my print at the top im so proud now (even though the guy has no face) :) THANK U VERY MUCH P.S can u pleese put a picture of your shop up i need a pic:) from Mitch
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