On November 21st I
attended a gallery opening for master printmaker Elizabeth Ferrill. It
showcased a variety of prints, three-dimensional models, and came with quite
the stories. From what I learned, Elizabeth focused on subjects such as
transience, travel, and more specifically, capturing public spaces or a form of
“universal imagery.” Her process consisted of a French art technique known as
Pochoir; she would use a flat stencil brush, tapping over each stencil with
gouache to create all her prints by hand. This tapping technique gave off a
distinct textured and three-dimensional appearance. Although it was not clearly
visible without reference, Elizabeth’s biggest influence was Jacob Warrance for
his interesting use of colors and shapes. As for the three dimensional models,
not much was mentioned besides she kept old sculptures and dioramas in mind
while working.
I found Elizabeth’s work to be very unexpected and
unique. Her concept of capturing public spaces or universal landscapes was
quite interesting because of how she described them. She made a comment that
public spaces such as parks, airports, and parking lots are some of the only
places that you can be completely surrounded by people and feel the most alone.
The more I thought about this the more I agreed that people deem these places
as mere chores to pass through and because of this, do so without any emotion
as if we were zombies. Her work really compelled me to try to appreciate parts
of my everyday life and scenery that I take for granted and potentially use
them artistically myself.
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