Printmaking Workshop with Hilary Lorenz

Brooklyn Bridge Park, C-Scape Dune Shack Residency, Drawing, LMCC Process Space, Prints

25_“Join artist Hilary Lorenz for a demonstration of her printmaking process and an opportunity to add to Birding, her new installation at 99 Plymouth!”

That is the heading for the press release from Brooklyn Bridge Park where my installation, “Birding” is now in full swing. Three separate murals made entirely of printed, cut and watercolor painted paper are spread out over three wall in a total of fifty-six feet.
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I have been working on this project since March, first at my LMCC Artist residency, then in my studio in NM and finally at a the C-Scape Artist Residency on the National Seashore of Cape Cod. It has definitely grown!

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The first of three 2 hours drop in demonstrations will be Sunday October 23rd from 1 to 3 pm. And for an added bonus it is my birthday weekend, so come and see me. Click here for the details . Visitors have the opportunity of printing, cutting and posting fish, sea creatures, and birds to the community room’s “Salt Marsh” mural piece.

I hope to see you Sunday at 99 Plymouth Street at Washington, DUMBO neighborhood, just south of the Manhattan Bridge.

 

Stepping out of the Shack

C-Scape Dune Shack Residency

Hilary_Lorenz_CScape_Dune_Shack_Seals.jpgIt was delightful to return to the C-Scape Dune Shack on Provincetown’s National Seashore after almost 8 years. It is hard to believe it was that long ago that I spend 6 fascinating winter weeks here. Now it is summer  I will be here three weeks and I have the grey seals to watch.

There have been great improvements in the shack, there is now a propane refrigerator and stove. There is a new outdoor composting toilet and a solar shower. The single layer walls have interior slats of wood, and one of the windows and frame have been replaced along with a beautiful cabinet in the living room. It is still very much a shack bur far more cozy. If you followed me in 2007/08, I am writing this post in the place I wrote then, the Cape Air Airport. It is a little over a 45:00 walk down the beach from the shack.  And to much of my surprise and pleasure I am still all alone and completely secluded from the public. I will keep you updated about my adventures. I am here until August 27th.

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C-Scape Dune Shack, Provinetown, MA

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The view from my beach on the night I arrived.

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Working from the kitchen of the shack on some watercolors, while looking out onto the dunes.

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A drawing in progress influences by the Provincetown National Seashore.

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Two completed drawings from the C-Scape Beach Shack.

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One of my many grey seal buddies who come out every night at dusk.

Hilary_Lorenz_CScape_Dune_Shack_beach_toad

A cool looking toad outside my shack.

My Own Wilderness Fantasy

Prints, stonetrigger press, Uncategorized

1A_Hilary_Lorenz_Lake_George_Printmaking_Installation
After 40 hours of pasting cut paper onto the wall, one year of carving linoleum, printing it and cutting it into pieces, all of which were preceded by 100’s of miles of  mountains hiking and trail running in northern New York, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Tasmania and Cameroon the exhibition it up at Lake George Courthouse Gallery, Lake George, NY. 

18_Hilary_Lorenz_Lake_George_Printmaking_InstallationEach cut paper installation I do, is build from previous hikes or trail runs from around the world. After running to the top of a particular mountain, I carve it. This keeps me fit, happy, traveling and constantly creating new work. On Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, my exhibition opened to a great crowd. 
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Carving animals that are unique to the region, I spent several days with my dogs in the gallery preparing for the opening on November 14, 2015. I could not have asked for a better reception. Friends drove or took the Amtrak the 200 miles from NYC, others drove 1-2 hours  across the Adirondacks to get there. I was thrilled to see my number one hiking partner and good friend, ADK Nancy, pictured here with me, who made an almost 2 hour drive. We met in a lean-to on a backpack adventure.
Adirondack_Nancy_Hilary_Lorenz.jpgLisa, Amy and Sally all drove up from NYC, and while it is 200 miles, depending on the weather, it can take up to 6 hours to get there, real dedication.  Anyhow, they really made my night along with my family who sent flowers and all those who were at the reception including the press which is always exciting.29_Hilary_Lorenz_Lake_George_Printmaking_InstallationOne year ago I had the great opportunity to make work for Wave Hill Public Garden and Culture Center , so to follow it up one year later adding water,  boats, and new animals and mountains to the mix was a fantastic opportunity. Okay, this clown is Conrad, he is not an official animal in the exhibition.9_Hilary_Lorenz_Lake_George_Printmaking_InstallationI am back in Brooklyn teaching this week, but after next Monday’s class, I will pack up the dogs, and head to Sally’s cabin for Thanksgiving Week with plans to be at the Gallery Saturday November 28. so stop on by if you are in the neighborhood or say, 200 miles!

If you want to see more photos, they will be on FB at https://www.facebook.com/StoneTriggerPress/

Day Two Installation

Uncategorized

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Thank goodness, last night while attempting to sleep, I could not shut my brain off after the big install day, the elves came in and fixed up the show. Frankly, I left yesterday having a lot of doubt, but when I came in this morning and the doubt went away.

The framed pieces are up, thanks to Lisa B. The lean-to, leaves, clouds and more water have been added. Here is a cell phone panoramic shot.

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We took a coffee break right behind the gallery so that the dogs could play on the Lake George beach. They were happy and so was I.
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Tomorrow there is a yoga class in the gallery. I was asked if it would be okay since I was still installing and I think it is great. I am going to take the class, as my body is screaming for exercise and some stretching after all this paper cutting and ladder climbing. Hopefully by 7pm Friday night I will be able to call the show complete.

Come on up to Lake George, Saturday, Nov 14th from  4-6 is the opening. 

Installation in Progress

Prints

Hilary_Lorenz_Lake_George
I just returned to my cute Adirondack motel room after an 11 hour day of cutting and placing linoleum block prints into an installation, I titled the show “My Own Private Wilderness”. I have 2.5 more days to complete it and I am a bit nervous. Day one is always slow but today seemed extra slow. It is the first time I am building water. I was at a loss on how the land meets the water, but thankfully Lake George is right outside the window, the beautiful mountains in the background giving me a direct reference.

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The photos are from my cell phone so not ideal but I will have excellent photos with my good camera soon.  The title of my show refers to my wilderness fantasy. Living in NYC I often feel removed from nature, and I am a person who loves backpacking, loves hiking in the mountains. My ideal would be living in the mountains full-time. But until then I create my own fantasy.

The exhibition opens on Saturday, November 14 at 4pm. The gallery is Lake George Arts Project Courthouse Gallery, Old County Courthouse 1 Amherst Street,  Lake George, New York 12845. Here is a link to the specifics of my show. 

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Stay tuned more photos tomorrow.

A Radical Change

Drawing, Prints, stonetrigger press

Red Hook
At the beginning of August I drove the 2100 miles back to NYC leaving behind my beautiful studio and embracing the big unknown. I had sold my apartment and was coming back to find a rental. I knew I wanted to live in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, an “industrial seaside town” as a friend calls it. Ideally I would find a place large enough to work in and still be affordable, by NYC standards that is. What I found was a home that makes me so happy, each day when I wake up I feel like my heart is going to burst out of my chest I love it so much.  I have huge windows, 1200 square feet, two floors and two bathrooms. It is really unbelievable to me.  I set up my work tables in front of the windows where I can see the expansive skyline.
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I started working on a couple drawings. Of course I had a small coyote to add to this 7″ x 5″  collage.
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Mostly I have been working on a moose print, 20″ x 15″ with a rainbow roll, and stencil. It is part of a portfolio project titled Western Communities, a collection of artist who live in the west.  I do not have a photo of the block or finished piece, just some of the process. I am also working on a custom print for my friend Kat in Cleveland.
moose_rainbow ink
When I am not working in the studio, I am walking miles each day with my dogs. We walk at least 4 hours a day, 2.5 in the morning and 1.5 at night, just exploring everywhere around our new home. Here are a few photos of our neighborhood discoveries.
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I miss New Mexico but I am so happy with this change. I love change. I had sold all my furniture and had very little beyond my books. I am enjoying the process of recreating my life in Brooklyn….that is until next summer when I return to NM. You can expect all new projects, and all new artwork with new influences, my guess would be a lot of water.

Open Studio Pre-view

Drawing, Prints, stonetrigger press

Today is a photo extravaganza. This weekend is my Open Studio, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. I have been cleaning, hanging artwork, and building a small, but crazy printed paper installation. If you are in or around Abiquiu, please come and say “hi.”

GPS Location – 36°12’41.2″N 106°13’48.9″W
From SF, take 84 toward Abiquiu. On the corner of 554 (the El Rito Road) marked by Mamacita’s Pizza turn right. Drive just over 1/2 mile crossing the Chama River, turn right on CR142. Drive 1.1 mile. On your left is “Trigger Drive” turn left, drive 200 meters and the studio is on the right, #5.

A variety of linocuts waiting for people to custom print their backpacks at Open Studio

A variety of linocuts waiting for people to custom print their backpacks at Open Studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio dogs, Homer and Conrad

Studio dogs, Homer and Conrad

A giant proof print of Homie and Coyote

A giant proof print of Homie and Coyote

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

A variety of linocuts waiting for people to custom print their backpacks at Open Studio

A variety of linocuts waiting for people to custom print their backpacks at Open Studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

8" x 10" linocut prints, Stonetrigger Press

8″ x 10″ linocut prints, Stonetrigger Press

Hand printed journals, Stonetrigger Press

Hand printed journals, Stonetrigger Press

Custom printed bags, Stonetrigger Press

Custom printed bags, Stonetrigger Press

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Studio shot by Hilary Lorenz for open studio

Watercolor collage by Hilary Lorenz

Watercolor collage by Hilary Lorenz

Wilderness cut paper installation for Open Studio, Abiquiu, NM

Wilderness cut paper installation for Open Studio, Abiquiu, NM

Getting Ready for Open Studio!

Getting Ready for Open Studio!

Sold-Original Watercolor Drawing with Collage, Seamore, The Red Eared Slider

Drawing
Original Watercolor, 5

Original Watercolor, 5″ x 7″ with Collage – Click to Purchase

He is back, Seamore the Red Eared Slider, but this time better than ever in an original watercolor drawing. Seamore is a linoleum block print that is cut out and collaged onto 300 pound Arches Watercolor Paper. I then layer up hand drawn watercolor with my favorite Schmincke super high quality natural gums, water-soluble resins, and pigments. On the right are two stripes of vintage Italian hand printed paper. He is gorgeous!

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White Frame Not included with artwork

This is what he would look like in a standard white wood frame. I think this is my favorite. But I also have an example in black. Frames are not included they are only for reference.

Black Frame  Not included with artwork

Black Frame Not included with artwork

This is all part of my July 30 day watercolor challenge and it is a a fun challenge. It is exciting to have the pressure of getting each one made and working in such volume forces me to take some risks, and risk in art is always good! As usual this is available at my Stonetrigger Press Etsy Store.

Sold-Day 2, Thirty Day Watercolor Challenge, The Raven

Drawing
7" x 5" Raven Click to purchase

7″ x 5″ Raven Click to purchase

Day two of the 30 day watercolor collage challenge is a Raven. You may remember the linocut raven from the 30 day linocut challenge in January. This is the same raven, cut out and collaged onto 300 pound arches watercolor paper. I then used watercolor to create the landscape and added two “bushes” by collaging hand cut antique Italian paper. There is a lot of great detail.

Rave_Hilary_Lorenz

Here is the deal. There is one artwork a day. Each watercolor is 5″ x 7.”  It is a combination of watercolor drawing, collaged linocut and/or antique italian cut paper. Each one is handmade and unique, there is no edition. There is only one available. Sounds expensive? Nope, I want to make this available for only $47 and it will stay that way for all 30 pieces. The expensive ones will be in my Fall Solo Exhibition in New York. For the month of July each night at 6pm EST a unique new drawing will be available.You can purchase it on Etsy where there are full details. Frame not included.

Raven_on_Wall_RedI had a blast making this raven. Right now they are everywhere around me. I love watching them soar through the sky over the studio and into the mountains.

A custom carved linocut portrait of Sam.

30 prints 30 days, Prints, Small Print Store
Sam Linocut Custom Dog Portrait

Sam Linocut Custom Dog Portrait

Lisa Studier left this morning and I got into the studio to catch on  a portrait that my dear friend Peggy requested. Honestly, at first I was not so sure I could do a pet portrait. But have already done one for her I welcomed the second opportunity and it was a blast.

The custom linocut dog portrait is a gift for her daughter, who also supplied the photos for me to work from. I drew “Sam” onto a 5″ x 7″ linoleum block, carved him out, and set out to print.

Carving Linocut of Sam

Carving Linocut of Sam

It was a rough day in the studio. It was very cold, colder inside  than outside, some ink colors appeared almost frozen where others were way too runny. I printed and printed and got nothing. I cleaned up, came in the house, and tried again today. And it was perfect. I got a great print of Sam. In addition I made 5 folded gift/greeting cards. These cards are pretty sweet and since it is a gift Peggy can write a message to her daughter in it, plus her daughter will get 4 others she can send out. She can always get more later if she likes.

4" x 5" folded hand printed linocut cards with custom carving

4″ x 5″ folded hand printed linocut cards with custom carving

I am going to offer to make up to 3 dog portraits a month. They can take 10 to 15 hours to make, so doing three a month would be super fun. I am beginning some big 24″ x 36″ linocuts all based on mountains, hiking, wilderness adventure in for my fall exhibition and I need to make sure I leave time for those. They take about 60 + hours to carve, but they will be amazing, just as amazing as little Sam here. You can order a custom dog portrait at my Etsy Store. 

P.S. The color is the same on all of them, despite looking different here.  The photos are a bit crappy because they are from my cell phone. I still need to get a new camera.

Sam, Linocut Dog custom dog portrait

Sam, Linocut Dog custom dog portrait