Welcome to another Friday lovely Maddabling readers. This weekend sees exciting things afoot in the Maddabling household, hopefully we will get to spend some time with a (pending) brand new arrival in our extended family! More to come on this. More Summer Street Fair preparation will also be underway. Busy times on the not too distant horizon.
This week it is my great pleasure to introduce to you a new Friday Friend and Australian Artist - meet the clever creative Bridget Farmer, Printmaker.
I have great respect for printmakers and the work that goes into creating the finished pieces that you see. I remember trying my hand at etching in high school and it was no mean feat to get the correct depth, line and textures on the tiny etching plates that we created. I also recall that it was terribly difficult to work with lino cut tools, often fingers would get in the way of the sharp tools you worked with.
So it should come as no surprise to Maddabling readers, that I had a good snoop through Bridget's online portfolio and have found some favourites that I have chosen to share with you all today.
The first piece is the "Finch III" Etching, I find this so beautiful, so full of cheeky character, it really captures the nature of these little birds.
I adore this darling wooden Gum Leaf Necklace, which has been laser etched and painted.
I also love the "Dancing Magic Moon Hare" Linocut, it reminds me of a sweet children's book illustration.
Dear readers, I leave you now to read and learn more about the fabulous Bridget in "First Edition; The Story of Bridget Farmer, Printmaker".
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to be kind to one another. See you all on Sunday for the Maddabling weekend blog post xo
First Edition; The Story of Bridget Farmer, Printmaker
I am Bridget Farmer, I am originally from Ireland but
came to Australia in 2005 intending to travel and visit friends for 5 months. Of
course, the age old story, I met a man and stayed. I now live in Daylesford in
the highlands of central Victoria with my Australian husband, our naughty dog
Eddie and currently a bump growing in my belly!
How and When did your handmade/artistic journey begin
?
From
the very beginning of my memory really. I guess it's the same with all artistic
people. I began painting giant fat cats at nursery school which progressed onto
horses as a teenager and then birds at art college.
What inspires you ?
My surroundings inspire me. I mostly draw from life and from these drawings I make my etchings. I love sketchbooks and try to have one on the go all the time.
My surroundings inspire me. I mostly draw from life and from these drawings I make my etchings. I love sketchbooks and try to have one on the go all the time.
Recently I've started making linocuts. They featured
curled up animals in circular shapes. I didn't really know where this idea came
from until someone asked me if it had anything to do with my pregnancy! It's
funny how you don't even realise what it is you're doing and where your
inspiration comes from at times!
What mediums do you work with - do you have a favourite
?
I
work in a few different mediums.
I make dry point etchings which I call my serious work. I
exhibit these through galleries around regional Victoria and Melbourne and sell
online. I also make linocuts which are quicker to make than my
other printmaking work so I can sell them for a bit less at local markets and
again online.
I've also started a range of etched wood jewellery
depicting my bird drawings. My degree at Edinburgh Collage of Art was in
jewellery and silversmithing so it's nice to utilise some of those skills again,
even though these days I would consider myself a printmaker.
Do you have a favourite piece that you have made/created
?
I
made a giant dry point etching of a pheasant. I think it's one of the largest
prints I've made and I really enjoyed the challenge. I only made 10 in the
edition and I didn't even keep one for myself which I am sad about.
BUT! I
intend to make another large piece soon, this time depicting a peacock. I even
have a neighbour's peacock lined up as a model!
What are your future plans/dreams/aspirations ?
My baby is due
in February 2014, so really my only aspiration at the moment is to be able to
balance my work and motherhood. I know things will have to slow down work wise
and this is why I've been making pieces that don't take as long, trying to
stockpile prints and starting the new range of jewellery which will hopefully
tick along nicely. I want to spend time with her (it's a girl!) making lots of
things and I hope she will inspire me further.
Dear readers do you want to see more? Here is how you can connect:
Take a visual journey by seeing the 'how to' for making the Pheasant here:
http://www.bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com/2011/05/pleasant-pheasant-printing.html
Take a visual journey by seeing the 'how to' for making the Pheasant here:
http://www.bridgetfarmerprintmaker.com/2011/05/pleasant-pheasant-printing.html
Become a follower on Facebook here:
Visit the website and buy lovely things here:
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