Eclectic artists share passion for printmaking with new exhibition still on show in Albany

The South West Printmakers are a bunch of diverse artists brought together by a passion for printmaking, with their latest exhibition still on show in Albany.

The exhibition opened earlier this month at the Museum of the Great Southern and exemplifies the group’s fusion of like-minded and passionate artists.

The concept of the exhibition is a retrospective which highlights dialogue between the individual printmaker’s practice and the dedication to sharing experiences and techniques with the community.

The SWP consists of an eclectic mix of artists: Christine Latham, Helen Hulme-Gerrard, Lianne Jay, Sue Dennis, Yvonne Dorricott, Carol Farmer, and Janette Trainer.

They are spread out across WA from Bunbury to Torbay.

Dennis said she felt fortunate to be part of the group.

“Everyone is generous with their time, knowledge and experiences — and often their presses,” she said.

“The South West Printmakers to me means sharing, friendships, fun, and respect for these unique individuals and their commitment to creative self-expression.”

The SWP’s main objective is to educate and promote printmaking as an art form.

For 15 years, the group has prompted printmaking as a visual language.

They have experimented with various printmaking techniques and how they can be incorporated into photography, installations, books and sculpture.

The techniques used in this exhibition are lino, woodcut, etching, stencil and screen print, and cyanotype.

Hulme-Gerrard said printmaking was an endless source of fascination and discovery.

“There is such a wide scope of possibilities and techniques that can be implemented to create a print,” she said.

“I find it invaluable to be a member of the SWP, to be part of such a passionate and enthusiastic group who are committed to quality, innovation and the sharing of their knowledge of printmaking.”

The artists work separately in their own studios or in small groups to produce work, and meet monthly to discuss ideas, projects and the direction of the group.

The artists also attend an annual art camp, which has become an important part of the group’s activities, and is a time to explore, be inspired and collaborate, contributing to personal and professional development.

While each artist seems to draw inspiration from their own unique source, they have a shared passion for creating.

The exhibition is open until Sunday.