-By Carol Seeger-
The Print Studio at Gatakers Artspace came into being in 2012 when two printmakers, Jennifer Rogers and Carol Seeger saw the need to establish a community printmaking space. At the time, there were only a few artists who were pursuing printmaking with no community space available to expand the numbers.
A combination of circumstances arose and after much discussion with Mrs Sue Flavell, the Print Studio was born. Sue’s husband, Merv, who was a passionate printmaker, had passed away and his printmaking studio and equipment lay unused. The women saw the potential of a new life for Merv’s equipment and after approaching the local Council, a home was found for it at Gatakers Creative Artspace precinct. The PrintSpace was born and since then, has flourished under the guidance of passionate printmakers who, along with Merv’s gear, have found a space where they can explore the endless creative possibilities printmaking offers.
The idea of spreading the word about PrintSpace morphed into the introduction of a bi-annual art exhibition and in 2013, the first Impressed Exhibition was installed at the original Hervey Bay Regional Gallery. Printmakers from the regions exhibited works demonstrating a wide range of innovative techniques and subject matter, including 2 and 3D works as well as artist’s books. Now, in its 10th year, Impressed V is about to be installed in the current Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, again featuring works from printmakers from across Queensland.
Visiting a ‘real’ gallery as opposed to viewing works online gives the opportunity to see the artworks in context. Size, texture and true colour in a gallery setting as well as discussions about the works is something that online viewing cannot provide. A worthwhile experience, especially if the exhibitors are in the locale.
Printmaking is a very diverse art practice and since the advent of non-toxic materials, printmaking has become much more accessible to those who are interested in multi-disciplinary ways of working. The use of cast-off waste such as tetra pack and plastic packaging materials makes for inexpensive methods to create quite sophisticated prints. Experimenting with these materials as well as using water wash-up inks opens up exciting, contemporary art-making practices as new ways to explore both traditional and emerging concepts.
During the year, a range of printmaking workshops are held to provide opportunities for novices to try their hand as well as for more experienced printmakers to learn new techniques and approaches from highly qualified practitioners. This year, we have had several highly successful printmakers run workshops – Kay Watanabe from Brisbane, Kaz Stanton from Maryborough as well as others, both local and from other areas. Please keep your eyes out for further notice of upcoming events and workshops via Gatakers Artspace social media pages.
Impressed printmakers are based at the Print Studio in Gatakers Creative Space on Kent Street, sharing the same precinct as Gatakers Art Gallery. The studio is equipped with a range of printmaking presses, including the impressive Albion press, manufactured in England in the late 1800s. It is a working space, and visitors are welcome to come in, have a chat and do some printmaking as well.
Run by experienced printmakers, the Print Studio is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. Please feel free to pop in, say hello and see the printmakers in action. We welcome you to make it a regular event if you find yourself itching to learn more.
