Even from a traditionalist’s point of view ‘the print’ has always been a varied and difficult entity to define.  The qualities and physical characteristics of all types of prints - lithographs, etching, engravings, screen prints, woodcuts and linoleum cuts, etc - vary greatly and the only real similarity is that they can usually be made as multiple originals (editions).   Often, it seems, that is where any significant dialogue about the print gets bogged down.  Prints are usually discussed in terms of their physical characteristics, materials and the processes used to create them with little regard to the ideas and conceptual investigations that the artist might be working through.  The fact is that print media are as inclusive and expansive as any other field in the larger world of art. Perhaps they are even more so.  They can adapt to the inclusion of the latest digital technologies but they can also make use of processes as seemingly old fashioned as woodblock cutting.  Prints are able to amalgamate and synthesize diverse imagery, materials, and ideological approaches to art making; and, print media allow great creative latitude and perfectly reflect and conceptually form the foundations of much of our mass media-based culture.  And, all of that makes print media ideal tools for the production of informed, conceptually diverse and, at the same time, physically rich art in the 21st century.

The contemporary art world is in a constant state of change and that is no more evident than in the realm of printmaking.  From its very origins the media traditionally associated with printmaking (woodblock, etching, lithography, collagraph and screenprinting) have constantly evolved and re-invented themselves as new developments in inks, equipment,  and the conceptual expectations of the art world have changed.  This discussion will introduce the current state of a variety of printmaking media and how they have adapted to the development of digital media and a 21st century media based culture.

This exhibition presents the work of students in the first few years of exploration into the media of printmaking at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.  Despite the demands of directed assignments there are already diverse and individual explorations occurring.  These young artists are beginning to see how they can use the tools available to them to express themselves in personally significant ways.
To say that the art world is in a state of constant flux would be an understatement.  At this point in time (just over six years into the 21st century) there no longer seem to be any definitive rules about the making of art.  Artists are free to mix media and explore well beyond the traditional confines of any particular medium. Printmaking, in particular, is well suited to this expansion and evolution.  (Briar Craig)

NOAA Members Wall:
Cynthia Kelly - Construction and Destruction

What is an Artist but a seeker, investigator, interpreter. In a departure from my traditional work (acrylic painting), in this series, utilizing found objects, writing and digital photography I focus on the overlooked, discarded, damaged in an attempt to rework items or images  with consideration given to unintentional beauty, source and conclusion. Each work contains elements and inferences known and unknown.  Perhaps the result is the work itself or maybe it's just the thought? It seems that the question is the answer. (Kelly)

Having travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Mexico and points in between, Margarita Alejandre’s work is a reflection of the ever-changing environment and her interpretations of the earth.

Self Portrait is an exploration of the artist; exposed, vulnerable, and optimistic. The acrylic painting on wood panelling incorporates elements of the earth using layer upon layer of colour. 

Margarita Alejandre's culture has always influenced her art and she pays tribute to her Mexican heritage with passion, creativity, and determination.

“My inspiration comes from some of the most beautiful places in the world and through imagination the two are fused together for a vibrant experience”. – Margarita Alejandre.

Her work varies from intricately painted flowers and custom made signs to mixed media paintings and stimulating drawings.