September in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is the official beginnings of Springtime. On my morning commute to work there many signs that Spring has already sprung. Baby lambs are everywhere; daffodils are sprouting up in the paddocks and the days are getting longer again.
Over the winter I decided to take part in a printmaking exchange with other NZ printmakers. Organized by Printmakers New Zealand, Levon put out the idea and 22 printmaking responded. Basically, we all create 22 prints and send them into PMNZ HQ. Once all in the prints are collated and we all receive a set of 22 different artworks from all over Aotearoa. I initially tried producing something experimental using a technique I’d just learnt. Needless to say, it didn’t go quite according to plan. I quickly segued to a more comfortable space and produced a favorite of mine. The smaller A4 rich black woodcuts are of a boat my grandfather built before my father was born. I found these old Black n white sepia toned images in amongst old albums and realized the images were of the same boat. I called the boat in my work ‘Woodfine’ This obviously represents the fine craftsmanship of the boat, but it was also my grandfather’s middle name, Woodfine. How fitting.

Although most of this run was submitted to the Winter Print exchange, you’ll find it in the Shop page called ‘Leaving Tauranga’. This image depicts Woodfine sailing out through the Tauranga harbor entrance with Mount Maunganui on the right side.

Have a blessed Spring or Fall in the northern hemisphere. Thank you for reading and visiting and maybe even purchasing an Artwork.

Nga mihi nui