Marlene Grolnic
My fondness for texture, material and color has led me to the medium of collagraph, a form of printmaking that relies on the etching press. To create my work, I collage a wide range of materials on to a cardboard plate. Once sealed, I ink the surface and watch with anticipation the colors and texture appear on the black paper as I turn the press. Often I add more color and collage on to the printed image with such mixed media as fabric, papers and textures. The application of dimensional paints often gives the impression that I have actually added beads. African Masks as the subject of my art work gives me the opportunity to explore my cultural heritage by researching the different African tribes. I try to include a characteristic of the traditional mask with my own personal style.