Waterworks Visual Arts Center’s fall exhibition, The Vocabulary of Printmaking – Its Origins and Techniques, celebrates the rich tradition of fine art printmaking in its many forms including etchings, mezzotints, lithographs, and monoprints. There has been a confusion about the difference between an original print and a mechanically produced limited edition print. In this exhibition, viewers are challenged to discern the mark of the artist’s hand.
New works by five artists highlight an exceptional array of printmaking techniques. Printmaking origins and techniques will be demonstrated and interpreted through a special series of lectures and demonstrations to the public throughout the exhibition period by exhibiting artists. Dates to be announced.
Waterworks Visual Art Center invites the public to meet the artists at the opening reception on Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. Informal gallery talks with the artists begin at 5 p.m.. Light refreshments will be served.
John D. Gall works from his studio in Jamestown, NC. His current body of work, Truth and Fantasy, is presented in the Stanback Gallery Hall. “Coming from a math and science background, I am fascinated by the aesthetic beauty of mathematical equations, graphs, and symbols. This has led me to the most complex equation of all: The Human Equation.” He incorporates human figures with symbols in surreal ways.
Robert Dunning is a professor in the department of art at the University of North Carolina – Asheville where he has taught since 1987. His new work exemplifies his distinctive ability to blend invented abstract biomorphic forms with figurative imagery. “My current body of artwork addresses the themes of innocence, fertility, growth, and decay, as well as the private spiritual and psychological forces that influence this progress,” he says.
Julie Niskanen lives in Raleigh where she works as a professional artist and teaches printmaking workshops. She also teaches art courses at Wake Technical Community College. Born in Greenville, S.C., Julie received her MFA in Printmaking from the University of South Dakota where she also managed the fine art gallery and taught drawing classes.
David Faber is Professor of Art and Master Printmaker at Wake Forest University. He teaches courses in intaglio, lithography, relief, and mixed methods. His practiced printmaking techniques include intaglio, lithography, relief, monotype, and mixed media. In 1978, David’s work is held in many prominent permanent collections including The National Gallery of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, U.S. State Department, The National Art Museum of the Ukraine, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. In 2000, David was selected to be the lead author of the classic drawing textbook “A Guide to Drawing,” which is widely used by professionals and art students.
Matthew Thomason’s work explores the experiences and perceptions of the space that surrounds us. A lifelong resident of North Carolina, he earned his MFA in Studio Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Spare Parts for Anxious Machinery is the working title for his current body of work.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center is located at 123 E. Liberty Street in historic downtown Salisbury. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
For more information, visit www.waterworks.org or call 704-636-1882.