Q: What were some of the foundation ideas for this exhibition project?

A: The idea of a collaborative exhibition was established between members of Townsville’s PressNorth Printmakers and Melbourne’s Firestation Print Studio in 2013. Limiting the prints to a postcard size (paper size 10 x 15 cm) ensured an economical and manageable project which could be hosted by each group. Prints are sent to each studio for exhibition in each location.

The project started off as a yearly exhibition but changed to a biennial event in 2019. Since 2016, PressNorth Printmakers has formed a valuable partnership with Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts in organising and exhibiting the North Queensland component of this exchange.

The purpose of the postcard partnership is to share studios’ demographic diversities, ideas and printmaking techniques and form new friendships through the fine art of printmaking demonstrated by these postcards. Apart from the artists’ work being introduced to new audiences, works are also offered for sale.

Since 2014, an international guest partner has been included in the exhibition. Previous participants were Cork Printmakers, Ireland (2014), Tsubata Town Woodblock Printmakers, Japan (2015), Hawkes Bay Printmakers, New Zealand (2016), 67th street Printmakers, Indiana (2017) and Bluegrass Printmakers Coop, Kentucky & SECOND STATE PRESS, Philadelphia (2019). The Print Council of New Zealand (PCANZ) is 2021’s exhibiting partner, with unprecedented participation by itsmembers.

Q: How did the artwork selection take place?

A: Artists are invited to participate by their printmaking groups. For this year’s exhibition, PCANZ invited all members with a cap on the number of entries permitted. This opportunity is given to all printmakers, whose members range from professional printmakers to part-time and emerging artists.

Q: How does the exhibition manifest – what do visitors experience?

A: This exhibition features a diverse and unique collection of 114 prints, representing various printmaking techniques and subjects.

Q: What are some of the key works and what subject matter do they deal with?

A: Visitors can expect glimpses of very personal journeys in some artists’ works, aroused by the pandemic and other  experiences. Nature, nostalgia and other issues are among themes explored.

Q: What is it about the printmaking experience that you most appreciate?

A: This art form is kept alive by experimenting with new techniques as well as combining it with traditional techniques. The enthusiasm observed from the printmaking community is astonishing and the body of work is a reflection of this.

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Postcards from the North and South 2021 is at:

Percy Thomson Gallery, Stratford, New Zealand, 16 July-8 August

https://www.printcouncil.nz/postcards-from-north-south

Creative Arts Napier, Napier, New Zealand, 20 August-2 September

https://www.printcouncil.nz/postcards-from-north-south

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, Townsville, 3 September-10 October

https://www.umbrella.org.au/postcards from-north-and-south

Firestation Print Studio, Melbourne, 14 September-9 October

http://www.fps.org.au/gallery-calendar-2021.html

Wharepuke gallery, Kerikeri, New Zealand, from December

http://www.art-in-newzealand.co.nz/exhibition/  

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