Sunday, October 4, 2015

Portals - Mixed Media Prints by Krista Barrett, Exhibition Opening


Viewers admiring Krista Barrett's new work

On First Friday, October 2, 2015, New Grounds Gallery hosted an artist reception and exhibition opening for Portals - Mixed Media Prints by Krista Barrett. 


Work by Krista Barrett, installed in New Grounds Gallery

Work by Krista Barrett, installed in New Grounds Gallery


Krista Barrett’s layered, mixed media prints investigate portals and doors as a metaphor of transformation, change, new opportunities and beginnings. They celebrate that change is the only constant and is inevitable. It offers as many surprises as her subtly colored, detailed, one of a kind prints. 

Her intimate pieces offer viewing pleasure. 



Each 6 x 6" piece is made up of layers of etching and gravure imagery



Krista Barrett's etching demo was lively and inspiring!


Krista's demo station, with one of her many plates


Krista also gave a demonstration of her inking and multi-plate printing. Because her process often requires a number of layered plates, including copper etchings and gravure, and can take many hours to complete a print, Krista featured a few highlights and discussed her overall approach. 

You can expect a video of Krista's etching demo on our YouTube channel this month.


Viewers getting a closer look

The artist, Krista Barrett, entertaining friends and fans during the opening

Krista has shown work internationally and her pieces art part of several major collections.

Krista says of her work:

Making art is a playful process which allows me to explore my inner world more deeply and encounter the unexpected – both within and beyond myself. As I work, consciously planned elements combine with unconscious, unpredictable lines and shapes. This interaction allows me to explore spontaneity while cultivating structure and purpose.
Combining gravure and etching allows me a greater range of expression. Most of my prints are a combination of etching, gravure, monotype and mixed media. Etching on copper is my favorite technique as it allows me to combine various elements while also reflecting multiple layers and details. I etch lines and textures onto the copper plate using techniques similar to drawing and collage. I then print a working proof, which informs the next step of the process. Ideas emerge about what lines, textures or colors may enhance or develop the image. I repeatedly cycle through this process, refining the plate until the image feels complete.


Krista Barrett 

Delicious treats were provided by the Swiss Alps Bakery,
in honor of the Etsate of Amir Espat exhibition, which was featured concurrently in MATRIX

Delicious treats were provided by the Swiss Alps Bakery, 
in honor of the Etsate of Amir Espat exhibition, which was featured concurrently in MATRIX

Did you miss the opening? Don't worry. You still have the chance to view Krista's work up close, in person. The exhibition runs through October 31, 2015.


More shots from the opening:
The plates and ink Krista used during her demo


Dan Noyes is captivated by Krista Barrett's work!




Krista Barrett herself!



Two viewers closely examine the print Krista created during the demo


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