SUBJECT  |  LIGHT  |  COMPOSITION

Printmaking and photography both share the necessities of an interesting subject, light that tells a story and a composition that doesn't detract from that story.  So, who am I?  Read on... 

HELEN DARLING

I am a printmaker and photographer based in Central Otago, New Zealand.  

 

I have always loved art and photography but I didn't start out as either an artist or photographer.  In fact, I have had a number of different roles.  My education pathway has been convoluted (putting it mildly) and my current job allows me to travel a great deal.  

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The sights, sounds, and food of different places and cultures are often the inspiration for my art; my camera is always the first thing I pack.

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While my photographs are what captures my imagination my art is a little different.  I take inspiration from what I see, every piece of art I have done has a story behind it and always reminds me of some wonderful person(s) I have met.  I struggle to draw "on demand" - all of my pieces have to come "from the heart".

TELLING  A  STORY

Each piece of art has a 'story' behind it - there was a reason why 'this' piece was created.  Click on the image to read more

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ABOUT PRINTMAKING

Each print is handmade and, therefore, each print is unique.  While every care is taken to represent the prints accurately on this website some variation in colour and printing may occur.  Also, when photographing prints it is not always possible to get a true representation of colour.  If you have any questions please ask.

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So, what is my printing process (it, like me, is constantly evolving!):

  1. Get inspired 

  2. Sketch up how I want the print to look

  3. Finalise the image

  4. Invert the image and transfer onto the lino block

  5. Carve, carve, carve

  6. Check, check, check

  7. Create the desired colour using printmaking inks (I really like Caligo and Schminke inks)

  8. Apply ink evenly to the lino block

  9. Print onto chosen paper (I am developing a love of expensive printing papers and enjoying experimenting with different papers, dampness and ink)

  10. Leave to dry for up to 7 days

  11. Check, edition and sign

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

We are surrounded by inspiration. Photography brings different challenges than printmaking - while the printmaking process takes hours and days, the photographic process of capturing an image is fast.  .  

WANT TO SEE MORE?

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