Firing Circuits: A Reclaimed Factory Becomes an Inspired Studio Space for Dozens of Artists

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_fade” interval=”3″ images=”787,788,789,790,791,792,793,794,796,795″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Our marketing committee recently had the opportunity to visit Firing Circuits Studios where CCNS Art Show favorites, Mari Gyorgey and Susan Leggitt both have studios.  Firing Circuits is located in a multi­story brick building, which was the former home of the Dresden Lace Works and then an electronics components manufacturer named … Firing Circuits.  Mari’s and Susan’s studios are located on the spacious third floor of the building, which includes lofted ceilings; exposed brick walls, vents and pipes; and beautiful, old paned windows.  Take a peek at their studios with us, and come check out Mari’s and Susan’s artwork on June 4-­7, 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Learning The Finer Points of Fine Art Printmaking With Betty Ball and Jane Cooper

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Within the 19th century, former carriage house of the Lockwood Mathews mansion in Norwalk resides the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP), which was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting fine art printmaking, including lithography, monotype, silk screen, and several other printing techniques.

Members of the CCP have participated in the CCNS Art Show & Sale throughout the years, and this year’s show includes two fine art printmakers who are “key holding” members of the CCP, Betty Ball and Jane Cooper.  I recently had the great pleasure of meeting with Betty and Jane at the CCP where I received a tour of the facility, observed an ongoing Norwalk Community College class, picked up a lithostone (there is seriously no reason for a lithographer to join a gym … ever), learned about Betty’s and Jane’s creative processes, and was even put to work pressing one of Jane’s prints!

What I learned during my visit to the CCP is that there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to creating a fine art print.  Fine art printmaking is the creation of an original artwork using whatever medium and materials the artist chooses, and most definitely should not be confused with a print or reproduction (these days often done by giclee printing) of an original artwork.  Both Betty and Jane create monotypes and monoprints, which involve the transfer of ink or paint from a plate to a paper or canvas often with the assistance of a press.  To sound like a true aficionado, here are some key terms that you should know:

  • Monotype – A monotype is essentially a printed painting and is created by transferring ink or paint from a clean, unetched plate to paper or canvas.  Betty and Jane use oil-based paints that they apply to plates using brushes, cotton swabs, brayers … any number of items.
  • Monoprint – A monoprint is the same as a monotype except that it will reflect a pattern or part of an image that is part of the plate.  In creating a monoprint, the plate is not clean but etched or has some kind of pattern such as lace or leaves, which will always be reflected in a print created with that plate.
  • Ghost Image – Generally, almost all of the ink or paint is transferred from the plate to the paper or canvas; however, some artists create a ghost image of the original print by pressing another piece of paper or canvass with the same plate without re-inking or re-painting.
  • Chine colle – Chine collie is a method in which thinner paper is bonded to heavier paper before ink or paint is pressed onto the papers.  This method can add texture, color or depth to a print.

Be sure to stop by the CCNS Art Show & Sale June 4-7 to see some of the beautiful fine art prints created by Betty and Jane![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_fade” interval=”3″ images=”776,777,780,779,778,781″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Visit To The Aptly Named “The Art Studio” in Westport

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Tucked between Peachwave and the Gym Source on Post Road in Westport is The Art Studio Connecticut, a collaborative workspace for eight Fairfield County artists. Over the past several years, the CCNS Art Show & Sale has included works from members of The Art Studio, including its founder Helen Werngren.

This year, we are once again happy to have participating in this year’s show artists from The Art Studio. Katherine Evans, whose abstract paintings reflect complex color combinations, will be participating again. And, we are excited to have abstract landscape painter, Malu Tan, join the show for the first time this year.

Members of our marketing committee (aka CCNS parents) recently had the pleasure of visiting The Art Studio, speaking with Katherine and Malu, and getting a peek at some of the pieces that they will be submitting to the show.

The Art Studio, which is located on the second floor, is a bright, airy loft space. Each of the artists has their own area or space with which to paint and create. Take a look inside:

Katherine, who is trained as a graphic designer, started painting about eight years ago. Her sometimes rather large abstract paintings reflect rich, colorful palettes. She has won multiple awards; exhibits her work throughout Fairfield County as well as through Saatchi Art, an online exhibition; and has sold her pieces to collectors around the world.

Malu began pursuing her passion as an artist while her family was living in London several years ago. Her abstract landscape paintings reflect what she sees as layers of color when viewing the natural world from a much broader perspective, and she sometimes incorporates other materials, such as sand, to give her pieces depth and dimension. She also exhibits her works throughout Fairfield County and through Saatchi Art.

Many thanks to Katherine and Malu for allowing us a tour of the studio. To see more representations of Katherine’s work, check out her website at kevansart.com, and to see more representations of Malu’s work, check out her website at malutanart.com.

Come check out Katherine’s and Malu’s works June 4-7, 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_fade” interval=”3″ images=”680,681,682,683,684,685,686,687″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]