Environmentally-friendly printmaking represents a Shift in art creation

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Meanders mini 11 by François-Matthieu Bouchard uses poly-lactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as cornstarch or sugarcane.


Printmakers have always had a goal of reaching broad audiences and introducing new ways of thinking, including sustainable art forms.

Shift is an exhibit at McMaster’s Museum of Art of work by artists who are seeking alternative approaches that shrink the environmental footprint of their print practice, have safer studio methods that avoid exposure to hazards, and strategies to engage with the pressing issues of our times.

A call for submissions from Judy Major-Gerardin and Briana Palmer, from McMaster’s School of the Arts, led to seventy-eight submissions from across North America.

Twenty-eight of those are now on display in the Museum.

McMaster’s mandate for education complements the School of the Arts Studio Program’s promotion of environmentally responsible art through teaching and learning.

Shift has been recognized through a Forward with Integrity grant that is funding a symposium on environmentally responsible print practice, providing further opportunities for discussion, sharing and dissemination of knowledge.

Shift is on display at the Museum of Art until April 2, 2016.

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Left: Nautical Apron, by Julie McIntyre – 4 colour lithograph on Kozo paper, assorted paper and thread
Right: Carscape 2, by Jeff Mann – Block printed tires, enlarged and traced tire strip and text

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Forest Gold #1,3,4 (triptych), by Monique Martin – Ink on gold mining maps, linocut, low relief sculptural print, die cut

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Strands Galore, by Melissa Harshman – Monoprint

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Meanders mini 11, by François-Matthieu Bouchard – 3-D Printed (PLA) bioplastic

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From left to right:
Baroque Amulet, by Duane Paxson – Wood lithography and relief on Arches 88
5 à 7, by Marjolaine Bourgeois – Hand coloured collograph and sewn transfers on cotton
Red Swirl, by Tammy Ratcliff – Mixed print, chine-colle, hand stitching

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Homage to E.Pauline Johnson, by Liz Menard – Collograph and letterpress

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From left to right:
Tear, by Carrie Phillips Kieser – Intaglio with Akua Ink
Airstream, by Stephanie Russ – Ink jet, water based screen print
Water Study 17, by Frances B. Ashforth – Water-based monotype (Akua ink)

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