Nothing muddy about artist's vision for exhibition
You've heard of making art with oils and watercolour, with pastels and ink or maybe even collage – but what about mud?
Rockhampton artist Michelle Black has been trying out some unusual techniques for her contributions to the ReCollection exhibition. All photos courtesy the artist.
A generous helping of greasy Fitzroy River mud is one of the more unusual substances being used to create the works for an upcoming exhibition running during Beef Australia 2018 from May 6 to 12.
ReCollection is an exhibition of all-new work from five local printmakers, exploring Rockhampton's history, environment, and family stories. The exhibition features all-new work from Belinda McGrath, Peta Lloyd, Derek Lamb, Clare Ford and Michelle Black.
Michelle honed her craft in linocut printing, and this year she's stretching her skills with adventures in new forms of printmaking. In February she travelled to Victoria's Baldessin Press to learn about mokulito wood lithography from specialist Barbie Kjar, with support from the Livingstone Shire Council and Arts Queensland's Regional Arts Development Fund.
Michelle's contributions to ReCollection are inspired by stories of flooding from the early days of the city. She's used the mud from the river to print with, combined with stories from old newspapers, representations of flood levels and row upon row of tiny boats rising with the incoming waters.
13ft And Rising
by Michelle Black
ReCollection will be open daily from 10am - 4pm from May 6 - 12 at the Walter Reid Cultural Centre, or see it first by joining the artists for the grand opening from 6pm on Saturday, May 5.
This project has been made possible by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. The artists also acknowledge the support of Arts Central Queensland Inc and Capricornia Printmakers Inc.
20.92 Inches
In 48 Hours
(Detail), by Michelle Black