Walk through the doors at Atelier 6000
and you realize you're surrounded by art. Spend time there and you
recognize the special creative energy of this space, hidden just a
stone's throw away from the glitz of retail in the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon.
Polished concrete floors, high ceilings, and hand operated printing
presses intermingle with artwork on the walls, prints and sculptures
produced by students as well as established artists. This is the
place where High Desert Gallery artists will be working as they
produce editions of hand-pulled prints for the upcoming 6XA6 Fine Art Print Show,
September 2 through September 26, 2010. And it is a special place
indeed.
High Desert Gallery recently had the opportunity to visit with Pat Clark, Master Printmaker and Educator, and founder of Atelier 6000. Within the first few minutes we were captured by her enthusiasm for the creative possibilities obtained through printmaking processes and her willingness to mentor and share the wealth of her experience. Pat moved from drawer to drawer, pulling out materials, describing methods of incising or adding raised relief, then pausing to assist in the printing process of a student, her experienced eye quick to decide that the press needed to be adjusted. This is a very hands on process, immediate. After what can be hours of preparation, the print is made – the press wheel is hand-turned, and the print emerges.
We asked Pat to tells us more about the inspirations behind Atelier 6000, and we want to share her observations with you here:
HDG: Atelier 6000 has become such an important artistic resource for artists in Central Oregon - How did you envision this project?
Pat Clark: Atelier 6000 is first and foremost a place for learning. It embodies the spirit of the traditional atelier, or studio-workshop, where students learn directly from master teachers. I wanted the tools and equipment to be available to artists wishing to study and experiment with printmaking. Artists work collaboratively, sharing ideas, and their discussions can lead to new creative discoveries. Creative energy begets more of the same – the atmosphere of the studio is dynamic.
HDG: What makes A6 different than other print studios?
Pat Clark: Most print studios are known for specific print mediums such as lithography or intaglio printmaking. Atelier 6000 print studio emphasizes the study of all forms of printmaking for artists and serious art students of all levels. We offer classes in a variety of subjects related to printmaking, plus memberships which allow member artists to use the printmaking studio on a regular basis.
We have an Artists-in-Residence program which brings artists with unique techniques and talents to teach at Atelier 6000. Artists from California, Washington, and Oregon have had residencies at the studio. Lectures and demonstrations are open to the public at no cost. It is our hope that the lecture and demonstrations will inform the public about the unique possibilities of art in printmaking.
HDG: What should collectors know about the printmaking process?
Pat Clark: Printmaking has always been a part of the visual landscape of artists from the 15th century to current times. Contemporary techniques have evolved from basic printmaking of the earlier centuries to modern printing techniques used by artists such as Andy Warhol. The fusion of Western and Eastern printmaking techniques in relief printmaking are another example of the progression.
Artists have taken to printmaking for multiple image production. The hand-pulled original prints provide the collector a beginning base to collect art. Our students – both beginners as well as established artists - have achieved a unique level of printmaking at Atelier 6000, while incorporating this medium in their approach to art making. For example, painters exploring monoprints, sculptors exploring collagraphs, mixed media artists incorporating another form of art in their finished work.
HDG: You mentioned that Atelier 6000 is a “green” printmaking studio – in what way?
Pat Clark: We use safe “green” supplies and techniques that address health concerns of the past. The studio print shop works with less toxic and “green” materials using soy-based water-soluble inks. There are no caustic chemicals used during the print process and reusable cotton rags are used for clean up. Serving plates and cups made by the bio-based TaterWare company of Sunriver are used for all receptions. These plates and cups are completely biodegradable. We also want to minimize the impact upon our environment by referring people to our website to view the current class offerings. Artistic and creative discovery as well as the challenge to improve the working environment of the artist will continue to bring innovation to the art of printmaking.
HDG: What is it about printmaking that inspires you as an artist?
Pat Clark: The unique environment of Bend, and the mixture of contemporary outsider artists as well as specialized artists inspire me.
Want to be inspired as well? Then don't forget to mark your calendars with these important dates:
The 6XA6 fine Art Print Show will be at our High Desert Gallery location, 10 NW Minnesota Avenue at The Oxford, .Judging from the caliber of the participating artists, this show is not to be missed, so remember to save these dates:
6AX6 Artist Feature: Fine Art Print Show and Artist Reception, September 2 through 26, 2010.
6XA6 Special Preview Artist Reception: Thursday September 2, from 5 to 8pm. Refreshments, meet the artists, and enjoy live music.
6XA6 Artist Reception: Friday September 3, from 5-9pm, during Bend First Friday Art Gallery Walk. Featuring original hand pulled block prints, etchings and monoprints, created at A6 by 6 High Desert Gallery Artists. Refreshments, live music, and an opportunity to meet the artists.
About High Desert Gallery: High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ is an award winning fine art and custom picture framing gallery with three High Desert Gallery retail locations in Bend, Oregon, Redmond and Sisters Oregon and High Desert Frameworks! located at 431 NW Franklin Avenue at Lava in downtown Bend, Oregon. The gallery specializes in Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ and Stellar Custom Framing. High Desert Gallery honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100 Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009) and Sisters, Oregon (2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009). International Framing Awards earned by High Desert Gallery include First Place and Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition and Third Place in the Professional Picture Framing Association 2008-2009 International Print Framing Competition.
For more information please visit: www.highdesertgallery.com or call toll free 1-866-549-6250. Want to be in the know? Then follow us on via Google Buzz, RSS, Facebook, Twitter or subscribe to our blog. To download your free iTunes app visit: High Desert Gallery iPhone App at the App Store.The Art & Soul of Central Oregon™ and Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ are trademarks of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.
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