Trade #4: Andrew Krieger

It is with great pleasure that I announce trade #4 of the bARTer project. Below is a wonderful, unique engraving from Andrew Krieger, traded for Alexandra Silverthorne's photograph:

Square Wheel Bike Mechanic
Unique Engraving with mixed media
Impression is 12" x 8.5"
Paper is 15" x 10"
2006

I asked Andrew to provide some background information about his work and he wrote the following while he was still working on the print:

The work, Square Wheel Bike Mechanic (in profile) is 12" x 8.5" - this is a proof from a work in progress. Possibly you know this fellow? He is one of the crew that works one of the many, Square Wheel Bike Repair Platforms in Deep Ellum. His days are long, he is well trained in his craft with an eye for quality, a feel for metal and a dedication to keeping the Square wheel going round!

This is an evolving composition [ed. the print is now finished*], it is an engraving with a lot of tonal plate work. Frequently as I work on my prints, I pull proofs and work back into them - I try things, experiment on my proofs - this particular one is a combination of my printed proof, pencil, pen, water mediums and rubs. I like combining these techniques and do so in many of my compositions, but not with printed marks. In the evolution of these working proofs - (I call them uniques) - no two are the same and they are not part of the finished edition. The finished edition may include some of these attributes, but these are images that are one of a kind. I often appreciate these images a great deal more than my final pulled editions, as they are looser, document the evolution of an idea and show the spontaneity of my drawing style. As I said they are uniques. I sign my works on the back so as to not interfere with my images and this one [is] signed as well.

Another note - the image that you see in picture is not what you will get [ed. the print is now complete and is shown in image above]. This is a unique, as I finish typing I may go upstairs to my studio and look at it on the wall and decide to put in an ink wash, shade with pencil, roll with a roulette, add a metallic ink, chinese white, hit it with a hammer, turn away from the image and not put another mark on the page. I worked on it again this morning, I may work on it again before it leaves my studio. There is chance in barter and trust, but my approach to working and part of the ethic of this place called Deep Ellum holds these values and more. Trust, Quality, Responsibility come with these images - what you see is what you get? A relationship of the mutual admiration of the appreciation of ones economy thru idea translated into work - or maybe more? As this work enters your hands J.T., please photograph it again and post - many thanks AHK.

About his working style, Andrew wrote:

I am a mark maker. My drawings begin with line. I have been attracted to the techniques of fine line drawing that spring from the realistic sensitivity of the old masters from the Italian Renaissance to the Middle Ages for much of my career.

In my own work I attempt to approach the techniques of these periods with the skills of drawing volumes in space, utilizing contoured shading and the articulation of the drawing surface with the use of contemporary materials. My own drawings usually follow a surreal perspective in the interpretation of the human form and the direction of architectural fantasy in my interpretation of off kilter work platforms/work stations. Mixed with wit and whimsy these images are strong compositions built around the strengths of the foundation of the art of drawing. With precise line in pen and pencil, I have combined sensitive ink, gouache, metallic paints, graphite rubs and photo retouch washes; from a background in printmaking/engraving, I have brought my engraving tools directly to the surface of my papers to articulate worked and raw areas, creating dimensions of layered patterning. My compositions from this last year and a half are both strong and sensitive in their visual structure and tantalizing to the eye with a great variety of line, pencil, brush, engraved and incised techniques.

Those who live in the Washington area may be quite familiar with Andrew's work (he lives and works in D.C.). Approximately two years ago he had a fantastic solo show at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. This exhibition was bursting at the seams with incredible, energetic and imaginative work. He is now working hard preparing for an upcoming show in Chelsea NYC and he is working on a book of images and writing to accompany the the show. It's helpful to know that many of Andrew's drawings/constructions are studies or maquettes for larger works for which he is currently seeking funds to build on a large scale.

Andrew participated in The One Word Project where he responded to the word: imagination. Read that here.

If you would like to bARTer for Andrew's print, please let me know via comment or email.

* This print is complete (it's in my possession right now) but the edition for which this is a proof is still evolving and when finished will not look exactly like the print pictured above.

Comments

[Deirdre Forgione]

J.T. -

I love this work! If you have not yet received a trade offer, please consider my photography. I have some work up on a simple site; most recent work (which includes 'alternative' process photography) has not yet been scanned and posted - let me know if you are interested in seeing more.

Thank you,
Deirdre