The Kent Harrison Arts Council presents ‘Pull’, a diverse collection of silk screen prints this September at the Ranger Station Art Gallery.
The collection was drawn out of the portfolios of a class at Emily Carr University taught by the Ranger Station’s artist-in-residence Aimee Henny Brown.
While the course was an introduction to silk screening, don’t let the title fool you. The students spent an intense seven weeks, twice a week for eight hours per day, studying everything from terminology to technique in the field of silk screens.
“It’s a huge learning curve,” explains Brown. “It’s a very in-depth process; there’s a lot of technical and conceptual learning.”
Silk screening involves using an image and a process called photo emulsion, with light sensitive coating on a screen that’s a very fine mesh textile, which you use to create stencils.
“It’s very similar to the principle of cutting a stencil and using spray paint,” explains Brown. She says the wonderful thing about the silk screen process is you can really fine tune colour, opacity and layers. Andy Warhol often used this technique to create his famous prints.
“It has a real graphic quality to it,” she explains.
For Brown, this will be her last contribution to life at the Ranger Station. She was wrapping up her artist-in-residency last week when she was interviewed by phone for the show.
“It’s very bittersweet,” says Brown. “It’s been amazing.”
She’s off to teach at Emily Carr University this Fall and was the recipient of a grant for a project she’s had on her mind for awhile now. Keep your eyes on this Canadian artist, she’s destined for great things. To follow along on Aimee Henny Brown’s work, visit www.aimeebrown.ca, which she plans to update this Fall.
‘Pull’: A show of silk screen prints runs runs Sept. 5-27. The opening reception takes place this Sunday, Sept. 6 from 2-4 p.m. The Ranger Station Art Gallery is located at 98 Rockwell Drive in Harrison Hot Springs. For more information, call 604-796-2723.
