Etchings: Escaping the Frame

Art by Dorothy Anderson Grow

November 9th thru January 7th in the Hive (2nd floor) - Opening reception November 9th from 5-8pm

Artist statement:

I am an artist who makes intaglio etching prints. My inspirations come from many sources including my own drawings, three dimensional abstract objects, or personal photographs. I scan my images into my computer, manipulate and transfer them on to ImagOn etching plates. (ImageOn is a contemporary way of creating polymer photographic film etchings.) Although the initial prints are two-dimensional, I have transformed them into three-dimensional and hanging forms. My finished works are the result of multiple layers built upon each original etching print. 

The layers on my two-dimensional etchings are a composite of several techniques. I usually start by adding blends of colored inks onto a sheet of plexiglas producing a monotype. I will also go back into the etching print with colored pencils to create shaded effects and clearer definitions. Next, I add collage elements to create juxtaposition and interest. Many of the collage pieces are inkjet prints of previous work, modifications in color and scale of the current print, and/or a newly formed image. To complete the work, I will create textures from ink, paint, and/or a variety of media.

Because my three-dimensional and hanging works are created from intaglio prints, they need to be printed first on my etching press. But instead of matting and framing them, in a traditional manner, I am creating three dimensional sculptures and hanging fabrics. To create my sculptural pieces, I first make smaller copies of the two-dimensional print which I cut, fold, bend and glue together in order to further enhance the printed image. Like most creative artists, my goal is to constantly grow and change in new and surprising directions. Learn more: https://dorothyandersongrow.com