April 2024 Featured Artist
A Passion for Printmaking
Interview with Australian-Based Artist
Astrid Lempriere
Astrid Lampriere
Photo Courtesy: Astrid Lampriere |
Astrid Lempriere is an Australian-based visual artist specializing in relief printmaking using linocut to produce works on paper. From a young age, Astrid was captivated by black and white photographs, finding that they allowed the subject to be stripped back to reveal the raw beauty of their soul.
After making some interesting career choices and multiple worldly adventures, Astrid found her niche as an artist. She immediately took to linocut printmaking, finding the precision of mark making addictive. Starting from a photograph, Astrid spends hours carving away to reveal a mesmerizing interpretation of the original photo. Since starting linocut printing three years ago, Astrid’s work has been included in numerous group and solo exhibitions. She won two commendations and judged her first local print exhibition. Astrid enjoys sharing her skills. She facilitates printmaking workshops, which is a natural progression from the workshops she ran in other art forms. "But after I carved that first image, I realized there was the potential to create exactly what was in my mind in terms of level of detail. I was hooked straight away." ~ Astrid Lampriere |
Astrid shares her passion for linocut printmaking and the challenges she has faced as an artist on the autism spectrum.
Note: Works in this feature use an A4 linocut press (approximate framing size is 35 x 42 cm, unless specified otherwise).
Note: Works in this feature use an A4 linocut press (approximate framing size is 35 x 42 cm, unless specified otherwise).
Have you explored other printmaking techniques, or have you always worked with linocut printmaking?
I grew up in a creative family, so I had [been exposed] to printmaking and then tried it in school. I did screen printing while in Canada, and I taught a few workshops. Then I tried lino printing by chance three years ago and haven't looked back. I have also explored Gelli plate printing [Gelli Plates are reusable printing plates that let you make monoprints without a large, expensive press.].
What do you love most about the linocut process?
When I first tried it, I thought it was going to be rigid and boring. But after I carved that first image, I realized there was the potential to create exactly what was in my mind in terms of level of detail. I was hooked straight away. I am a self-taught artist, and I enjoy figuring out how to create the textures of fabric or expressions.
I grew up in a creative family, so I had [been exposed] to printmaking and then tried it in school. I did screen printing while in Canada, and I taught a few workshops. Then I tried lino printing by chance three years ago and haven't looked back. I have also explored Gelli plate printing [Gelli Plates are reusable printing plates that let you make monoprints without a large, expensive press.].
What do you love most about the linocut process?
When I first tried it, I thought it was going to be rigid and boring. But after I carved that first image, I realized there was the potential to create exactly what was in my mind in terms of level of detail. I was hooked straight away. I am a self-taught artist, and I enjoy figuring out how to create the textures of fabric or expressions.
Cozy Morning
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
Party Pineapple
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
What is your biggest inspiration?
Probably beautiful black and white photographs and knowing that I can carve anything I choose. I don’t feel the same way about drawing.
It’s obvious you are interested in the human face — expression, mood. But you also have works where the face is partially or completely hidden. Anything you’d like to say on that?
From the start, I wanted to carve the natural beauty [I see in someone]; however, not everyone wants a portrait of a random person on their wall. So I played with other ways to do a portrait — one which would allow viewers to connect their own memories or emotions to the artwork. My piece featuring a plant in place of a face was a fun idea.
Probably beautiful black and white photographs and knowing that I can carve anything I choose. I don’t feel the same way about drawing.
It’s obvious you are interested in the human face — expression, mood. But you also have works where the face is partially or completely hidden. Anything you’d like to say on that?
From the start, I wanted to carve the natural beauty [I see in someone]; however, not everyone wants a portrait of a random person on their wall. So I played with other ways to do a portrait — one which would allow viewers to connect their own memories or emotions to the artwork. My piece featuring a plant in place of a face was a fun idea.
Winter Mornings
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
Plant Love
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
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Your focus on large swaths of negative space makes your work unique. Any thoughts or comments about this?
I am not really interested in landscapes or cityscapes. I [focus on] the face and don't want to bring my work down by halfheartedly carving a background. My passion isn't there, but I’ll occasionally work the background if I find it challenging in some way. But the star of my work is the face, so I generally leave off the background.
Many women on the spectrum do not receive a diagnosis until they reach adulthood. You are one of these women. What did you learn about yourself after receiving the diagnosis? Was it helpful? I was diagnosed in 2020 when COVID started in Australia. Two of my kids had also been diagnosed by then. But there was a sadness I felt as I compared the amount of energy I put into helping my kids with their needs and issues while wishing I had received acknowledgement or help from my family. I also found out that I had ADHD, dyslexia, and ongoing depression. [The diagnosis] allowed me to understand why I juggle everything really well for a while, then crash and burn, only to get back up and repeat that process. So I decided to give myself permission to try to manage my workload at my own pace [as opposed to trying to keep up with a pace I saw others managing]. |
Into the Light
Linocut Print ~ 39 x 39 cms, framed © Astrid Lempriere |
I now work part-time, volunteer at a gallery, run my workshops, and create my own artworks. This helps me feel balanced while also having time for my kids and my own appointments.
You are also a mom raising children on the spectrum. Do you believe it’s helpful that you have similar experiences and challenges that your children are going through?
Absolutely! I love being a mum, and while I was married, I was a stay-at-home parent. I love that I can understand my kids’ special issues and be a strong advocate for them when needed.
What specific challenges have you had as an artist on the spectrum, if any?
Feeling like an imposter and that I don't belong sometimes. I struggle with social anxiety, but I’ve since realized that I lose my social anxiety and become more confident when I am working, teaching or volunteering in the gallery. I love sharing my passion and knowledge with others [in these settings].
Absolutely! I love being a mum, and while I was married, I was a stay-at-home parent. I love that I can understand my kids’ special issues and be a strong advocate for them when needed.
What specific challenges have you had as an artist on the spectrum, if any?
Feeling like an imposter and that I don't belong sometimes. I struggle with social anxiety, but I’ve since realized that I lose my social anxiety and become more confident when I am working, teaching or volunteering in the gallery. I love sharing my passion and knowledge with others [in these settings].
Watermelon Sugar
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
Happiness
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
Sunday Afternoons
Linocut Print © Astrid Lempriere |
At this point in your career, what has been your greatest joy? The very first time I entered an art competition, I asked a friend to help me write an artist statement to connect my piece with the theme. I was one of 70 artists from all over Australia to be a finalist in the exhibition. I brought a friend, and we drove to Melbourne. When we arrived, I found out that my piece had sold and was later awarded a commendation for emerging artist. I viewed my piece alongside other [expensive works by established artists] which was a wonderful experience. Where do you find sanctuary? When I’m carving, my mind slows down, and I zone in on what I’m doing. It’s so relaxing that I lose time altogether. I have just moved into a new home, and I’m creating a studio space so in the future I can teach really small groups, perhaps have social art nights and open studio days. |
Salty Dog
Award-Winning Linocut Print ~ 34 x 44 cms © Astrid Lempriere |
Follow Astrid on:
Current Exhibition:
Eagles Nest Fine Art Gallery 50 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet Victoria Upcoming Exhibitions: Sequel Gallery October 2024 The Old Auction House Creative Hub & Gallery November 2024 |
