Artist History and Background
The adventure into printmaking began forty years ago at a small art show on the South Shore of Massachusetts through the kind generosity of a young lady willing to show John how to do "Scrimshaw" etching on elephant ivory. Soon thereafter, ivory fell out of popular use because elephants were being viciously hunted and slaughtered for their tusks, so the switch to etching on zinc and copper began. Over the course of eight years John learned how to do intaglio etching techniques from David Hunter of Florida. David had been a teacher before changing career paths entirely to art, and is credited with being the founder of the "Florida Printmakers, Inc." His teaching credentials and experience allowed him to be able to convey information clearly. The printmaking workshops were held at Glen Eure's Nags Head, North Carolina "Ghost Fleet Gallery".
Later, John was juried in to the Montpelier Art Center and spent an incredibly productive and educational five years as a Resident Printmaker. Every day, all day doing printmaking, teaching printmaking, and having periodic shows in one of the several beautiful on-site galleries allowed John to hone is printmaking skills to a keen edge. John has published many technical papers in support of both traditional and some new processes, working in the newest ultraviolet chemistries and methods. John is referred to as a "Renaissance Man" in the field, after having mastered and taught more than fifteen different disciplines and techniques in printmaking. A strong background in teaching as an industry certified technical trainer and seminar leader has been a tremendous asset allowing John to deliver a strong line of successful seminars and classes in the arts.
Artist Statement
John s artwork communicates visual imagery that speaks to deep emotions and senses while simultaneously appealing to the orderly and cerebral mind. Romantic and at times nostalgic responses captivate and touch times remembered on some long ago forgotten level. A lighthouse at night with partially obscured moonlight dancing on the water with sparkling highlights.
PUBLISHED WORKS / Books:
2008 Technical Article for Akua Inks, New York.
2006 "Visionary II" Artist Book of Giclee and Laser color reproduced prints
2006 "Visionary" Artist Book of Giclee and Laser color reproduced prints
2004 "Print" - zine- exchange coordinated by Dawn Wetzel -Indiana
2002 "A Personal Book of 12 Mezzotinted and Etched Images" - hand made bound book. Edition of two.
Workshops:
Etching under guidance of David Hunter (Winter Park FL) in North Carolina
Etching and Collograph under guidance of Glenn Eure (North Carolina)
Photogravure -traditional technique taught by Lothar Osterburg at Pyramid Atlantic
Photopolymer Etch and non-etched techniques taught by Elizabeth Dove at Pyramid Atlantic
Photopolymer techniques workshop with Sandra Wasko-Flood (Arlington, VA)
Personal Standard:
Creating prints on paper that is historically long-lived represents a responsibility to the future. Most printed media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) will last far less than one hundred years and then oxidize itself into dust because of the high acid content of the fiber matrix. My work will be around for many years due to the archival quality of the materials typical of the fine printmaking studio and process.
Quality is My Watchword:
In creating a work of art intended for longevity, I use only acid-free paper, inks, and framing materials. My etching plates are either highly polished engravers plates, ultrathin roofing copper, acrylic plastic, or commercial grade 18 gauge artist-sized copper stock.
A commitment to low toxicity chemistry in the Print Shop
Volatile and harmful solvents have been eliminated from my studio and replaced with non-toxic substitutes such as canola oil, baby oil, or salad dressing. Nitric acid has been replaced with the safer ferric chloride etchant used to incise subject details into the copper printing plates. Inksa are all Soy-based, water-soluble non-toxic Akua Inks John currently lives near Milton, DE that is also the location of his studio.
Seminars and Presentations
2010 - Dcover Legislature- Presntation / speech to preserve Arts Outreach
2010 - Workshops Mispillion Art League
2010 - Outreach Education R.A.L. and First State
2010 - Speaker-Dover,DE Twilley Awards- demo and discuss Linocuts
2010 - Speaker- Kiwanis Clun Rehoboth Beach Yacht Club
2009 - Speaker- Millsboro Art League
2009 - Outreach Education classes- Rehoboth Art League
2009 - Demonstrated Mezzotint tools and techniques for E.C.Lyons Corp
2009 - Demonstrations
2008 - Instructor - Etching 8-week course- Rehoboth Art League, DE
2007 - Instructor - Age 8 thru 18 Printmaking - Millsboro Art League - Millsboro, DE
2007- Interviews (3) local media (Univ. Md. Eastern Shore) UMES
2007- Demo and Interview with "WAVE" newspaper (April) - Rehoboth, DE
2007 - Instructor - Etching 8-week course- Rehoboth Art League, DE
2006 - Instructor - Etching Workshop - Easton, MD
2006 - Instructor - Etching workshop - Millsboro, DE
2005 - Master Printmaker - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2005 - Instructor - Monotype Workshop - Easton, MD
2005 - Master Printmaker - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Master Printmaker - Acrylic Photopolymer Workshop Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2004 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2004 - Media Interview- Cable channel 61 - Arlington, VA television
2004 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School - Career Day Speaker on "Mathematics in Art"
2004 - "Wednesday Club" Printmaking methods and techniques. Laurel, MD
2004 - Hands-On workshop Girl Scout Troop Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Kentland s Arts Barn Auditorium, Gaithersburg, MD
2003 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School-Career Day Speaker "Art as a career field"
2003 - Hands-on workshop for kids- Print shop, Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2002 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
Additionally, many ongoing demonstrations and discussions are given to the general public and scheduled groups.
Working Techniques
Mezzotint * Drypoint * Ferric Chloride Etching * Aquatint * Monotype * Monoprint *
Engraving * "Ultra" Acrylic Photopolymer film * Linocut * Lithography * 4 plate 4 color processes * Duotone *
Silk Screen * Monoprint * Monotype * SoftGround * Linocut * Woodblock *
Memberships:
Milton Art Guild
Millsboro Art League
Rehoboth Art League
Maryland Printmakers, Inc. (Former President)
International Mezzotint Society
Partial Shows/Galleries/Exhibitions of Printed Works:
2008 - Milton Outdoor Sidewalk Show
2008 - Coastal Art and Frame Gallery Rehoboth, DE
2007 - Academy Art Museum "MD3" show Easton, MD
2007 - Darlington Art School reception / Silent Auction
2007 - Foundry Gallery MD Printmakers show Wash., D.C.
2007 - Folio Exchange - International Mezzotint Society
2007 - University Maryland Eastern Shore MD Printmakers
2007 - Millsboro Art League Member show
2007 - Rehoboth Art League
2006 - Sidewalk show - Milton, DE
2006 - Coastal Art and Frame Gallery Rehoboth, DE
2005 - "Original Prints" Juried by Susan Goldman - Touchstone Gallery- Wash., D.C.
2004 - Solo show- Montpelier Library Gallery March 2004
2004 - Touchstone Annex Gallery- MD Printmakers- Wash., D.C.
2004 - International Mezzotint Society- Mezzotint folio exchange
2004 - Foundry Gallery MD Printmakers show Wash., D.C.
2004 - "Hard-Pressed" W.C.A.C. Gallery- Hagerstown, MD
2004 - "PRINTS! PRINTS! PRINTS!" The Ellipse gallery Arlington, VA
2004 - PG County Executive Office Building Show, Upper Marlboro, MD
2003 - Kentlands Mansion Gaithersburg, MD Maryland Printmakers Show
2003 - Maryland Printmakers Folio Print Exchange (participant)
2003 - Rehoboth Art League Members Show
2002 - Montpelier Cultural Arts Center - Two person show, Resident Artist s Gallery
2002 - Rehoboth Art League Members Show
2001 - University of Alaska- Bookplate print Exchange (participant)
2001 - Montpelier Cultural Arts Center - One person show, Resident Artist s Gallery
The Foundry Street Gallery - Columbia, MD (Former President)
Patuxent Wildlife Show Calvert County, MD
Annapolis Waterfront Festival Annapolis, MD
The adventure into printmaking began forty years ago at a small art show on the South Shore of Massachusetts through the kind generosity of a young lady willing to show John how to do "Scrimshaw" etching on elephant ivory. Soon thereafter, ivory fell out of popular use because elephants were being viciously hunted and slaughtered for their tusks, so the switch to etching on zinc and copper began. Over the course of eight years John learned how to do intaglio etching techniques from David Hunter of Florida. David had been a teacher before changing career paths entirely to art, and is credited with being the founder of the "Florida Printmakers, Inc." His teaching credentials and experience allowed him to be able to convey information clearly. The printmaking workshops were held at Glen Eure's Nags Head, North Carolina "Ghost Fleet Gallery".
Later, John was juried in to the Montpelier Art Center and spent an incredibly productive and educational five years as a Resident Printmaker. Every day, all day doing printmaking, teaching printmaking, and having periodic shows in one of the several beautiful on-site galleries allowed John to hone is printmaking skills to a keen edge. John has published many technical papers in support of both traditional and some new processes, working in the newest ultraviolet chemistries and methods. John is referred to as a "Renaissance Man" in the field, after having mastered and taught more than fifteen different disciplines and techniques in printmaking. A strong background in teaching as an industry certified technical trainer and seminar leader has been a tremendous asset allowing John to deliver a strong line of successful seminars and classes in the arts.
Artist Statement
John s artwork communicates visual imagery that speaks to deep emotions and senses while simultaneously appealing to the orderly and cerebral mind. Romantic and at times nostalgic responses captivate and touch times remembered on some long ago forgotten level. A lighthouse at night with partially obscured moonlight dancing on the water with sparkling highlights.
PUBLISHED WORKS / Books:
2008 Technical Article for Akua Inks, New York.
2006 "Visionary II" Artist Book of Giclee and Laser color reproduced prints
2006 "Visionary" Artist Book of Giclee and Laser color reproduced prints
2004 "Print" - zine- exchange coordinated by Dawn Wetzel -Indiana
2002 "A Personal Book of 12 Mezzotinted and Etched Images" - hand made bound book. Edition of two.
Workshops:
Etching under guidance of David Hunter (Winter Park FL) in North Carolina
Etching and Collograph under guidance of Glenn Eure (North Carolina)
Photogravure -traditional technique taught by Lothar Osterburg at Pyramid Atlantic
Photopolymer Etch and non-etched techniques taught by Elizabeth Dove at Pyramid Atlantic
Photopolymer techniques workshop with Sandra Wasko-Flood (Arlington, VA)
Personal Standard:
Creating prints on paper that is historically long-lived represents a responsibility to the future. Most printed media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) will last far less than one hundred years and then oxidize itself into dust because of the high acid content of the fiber matrix. My work will be around for many years due to the archival quality of the materials typical of the fine printmaking studio and process.
Quality is My Watchword:
In creating a work of art intended for longevity, I use only acid-free paper, inks, and framing materials. My etching plates are either highly polished engravers plates, ultrathin roofing copper, acrylic plastic, or commercial grade 18 gauge artist-sized copper stock.
A commitment to low toxicity chemistry in the Print Shop
Volatile and harmful solvents have been eliminated from my studio and replaced with non-toxic substitutes such as canola oil, baby oil, or salad dressing. Nitric acid has been replaced with the safer ferric chloride etchant used to incise subject details into the copper printing plates. Inksa are all Soy-based, water-soluble non-toxic Akua Inks John currently lives near Milton, DE that is also the location of his studio.
Seminars and Presentations
2010 - Dcover Legislature- Presntation / speech to preserve Arts Outreach
2010 - Workshops Mispillion Art League
2010 - Outreach Education R.A.L. and First State
2010 - Speaker-Dover,DE Twilley Awards- demo and discuss Linocuts
2010 - Speaker- Kiwanis Clun Rehoboth Beach Yacht Club
2009 - Speaker- Millsboro Art League
2009 - Outreach Education classes- Rehoboth Art League
2009 - Demonstrated Mezzotint tools and techniques for E.C.Lyons Corp
2009 - Demonstrations
2008 - Instructor - Etching 8-week course- Rehoboth Art League, DE
2007 - Instructor - Age 8 thru 18 Printmaking - Millsboro Art League - Millsboro, DE
2007- Interviews (3) local media (Univ. Md. Eastern Shore) UMES
2007- Demo and Interview with "WAVE" newspaper (April) - Rehoboth, DE
2007 - Instructor - Etching 8-week course- Rehoboth Art League, DE
2006 - Instructor - Etching Workshop - Easton, MD
2006 - Instructor - Etching workshop - Millsboro, DE
2005 - Master Printmaker - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2005 - Instructor - Monotype Workshop - Easton, MD
2005 - Master Printmaker - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Master Printmaker - Acrylic Photopolymer Workshop Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2004 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2004 - Media Interview- Cable channel 61 - Arlington, VA television
2004 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School - Career Day Speaker on "Mathematics in Art"
2004 - "Wednesday Club" Printmaking methods and techniques. Laurel, MD
2004 - Hands-On workshop Girl Scout Troop Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Kentland s Arts Barn Auditorium, Gaithersburg, MD
2003 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2003 - Eleanor Roosevelt High School-Career Day Speaker "Art as a career field"
2003 - Hands-on workshop for kids- Print shop, Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
2002 - Master Printer - Apprenticeship in etching Montpelier Arts Center- Laurel, MD
Additionally, many ongoing demonstrations and discussions are given to the general public and scheduled groups.
Working Techniques
Mezzotint * Drypoint * Ferric Chloride Etching * Aquatint * Monotype * Monoprint *
Engraving * "Ultra" Acrylic Photopolymer film * Linocut * Lithography * 4 plate 4 color processes * Duotone *
Silk Screen * Monoprint * Monotype * SoftGround * Linocut * Woodblock *
Memberships:
Milton Art Guild
Millsboro Art League
Rehoboth Art League
Maryland Printmakers, Inc. (Former President)
International Mezzotint Society
Partial Shows/Galleries/Exhibitions of Printed Works:
2008 - Milton Outdoor Sidewalk Show
2008 - Coastal Art and Frame Gallery Rehoboth, DE
2007 - Academy Art Museum "MD3" show Easton, MD
2007 - Darlington Art School reception / Silent Auction
2007 - Foundry Gallery MD Printmakers show Wash., D.C.
2007 - Folio Exchange - International Mezzotint Society
2007 - University Maryland Eastern Shore MD Printmakers
2007 - Millsboro Art League Member show
2007 - Rehoboth Art League
2006 - Sidewalk show - Milton, DE
2006 - Coastal Art and Frame Gallery Rehoboth, DE
2005 - "Original Prints" Juried by Susan Goldman - Touchstone Gallery- Wash., D.C.
2004 - Solo show- Montpelier Library Gallery March 2004
2004 - Touchstone Annex Gallery- MD Printmakers- Wash., D.C.
2004 - International Mezzotint Society- Mezzotint folio exchange
2004 - Foundry Gallery MD Printmakers show Wash., D.C.
2004 - "Hard-Pressed" W.C.A.C. Gallery- Hagerstown, MD
2004 - "PRINTS! PRINTS! PRINTS!" The Ellipse gallery Arlington, VA
2004 - PG County Executive Office Building Show, Upper Marlboro, MD
2003 - Kentlands Mansion Gaithersburg, MD Maryland Printmakers Show
2003 - Maryland Printmakers Folio Print Exchange (participant)
2003 - Rehoboth Art League Members Show
2002 - Montpelier Cultural Arts Center - Two person show, Resident Artist s Gallery
2002 - Rehoboth Art League Members Show
2001 - University of Alaska- Bookplate print Exchange (participant)
2001 - Montpelier Cultural Arts Center - One person show, Resident Artist s Gallery
The Foundry Street Gallery - Columbia, MD (Former President)
Patuxent Wildlife Show Calvert County, MD
Annapolis Waterfront Festival Annapolis, MD
Excerpted Biographical Details