Etching on paper, ready to hang.
Signed and numbered with a certificate of authenticity.
This artwork comes with an external frame
One of the prints of a large body of work exhibited at the Stanthorpe Regional Gallery and Gallery Downtown, Tweed Regional Gallery in 2020.
This Drypoint engraving is the Stables at Ballandean Station. Old Ballandean Homestead comprises a c.β1870 residence, detached kitchen, creamery, killing shed, milking shed, yards, stables and remnants of a blacksmith's shed and forge. It was the third head station constructed on Ballandean run, established c.β1840 in the New England district.
Ballandean was among the earliest pastoral runs taken up in that part of the north-eastern districts of New South Wales that later became Queensland. Some reports claim occupation as early as 1839.
The name Drypoint Engraving sounds complicated so let me explain the process.
First I take a small piece of acrylic or perspex, then with a needle pointed scribe I scratch the drawing into the surface. Now this drawing has to be reversed or back to front to how it will print. Then the scratches look white so I also have to do it in the negative. So the whitest areas (or deepest scratches) will print blackest because when I apply the ink, they will hold the most ink. The lightest scratches will be the finest lines.
Once all the engraving is completed, then its off to the print studio. I take a scraper and drag an even coat of ink onto the plate. Then with a soft cloth and a very gentle hand I wipe off the excess ink. The ink is then held in all the tiny scratches.
The plate is then placed (or registered) on the etching press. I use cotton rag paper that has been soaked in water for about 30 minutes. I dry off the damp paper and lay it over the plate then cover it with a blanket and roll it through the press. Then the exciting part.... lifting the blanket and peeling the completed paper engraving. Usually followed by a little happy dance. Then the finished piece is dried and the paper flattened ready for framing.