In January of 2025 I committed to a residency program at Meredith College which also allows for experience in being a teacher’s assistant within the printmaking studio. I began this process by researching the residency program to understand its goals, requirements, and amenities. I had set clear objectives for what I wish to achieve during my time here, which for me is creating specific projects and networking with fellow artists.

The initiation of a printmaking artist residency at a college presents a unique opportunity for creativity and collaboration within an academic environment. This program aims to foster artistic exploration and innovation by providing emerging artists with the resources, space, and community support necessary to develop their work. Through guided mentorship, and access to specialized printmaking equipment, the residency invites artists to engage with students and faculty, promoting a vibrant exchange of ideas and techniques. This initiative not only enhances the artistic landscape of the college but also enriches the educational experiences of students.

As I have now reached the halfway mark of my residency I would like to take the time to give an update on all the projects I have started and how I am pursuing them. I started out with a very ambitious line up and while I believe that I will finish them, some have remained in the works longer than I personally think is necessary.

The first series of prints I started on explores the profound concept of meeting and communicating with death as a benevolent presence rather than a fearsome force. Each of the three artworks portrays death as a welcoming entity, gently guiding individuals through their final moments with grace and understanding. The imagery invites viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about mortality, illustrating death not as an end, but as a nurturing companion that offers solace and care. Through vibrant colors and quiet scenes, the prints encapsulate the idea that embracing death can lead to a deeper appreciation of life, inviting a dialogue about the natural cycle of existence and the comfort found in acceptance.

The process of planning three linoleum carvings, each measuring 18 by 24 inches, begins with conceptualizing themes that resonate with one another while allowing for distinct expressions. In the first print of three, I chose to have the characters face each other. The woman is slowly putting her guard down and accepting what has transpired, while the presence of death provides her with a sense of comfort and reassurance in this difficult moment.In the artwork, the resolute skeletal hand rests on her shoulder, offering reassurance that life’s burdens are lifted as she surrenders to the inevitable. This imagery challenges conventional perceptions, proposing that in the end, the finality of death can serve as a profound source of comfort and peace. By both of the characters fully facing each other there is a sense of stillness and quietness that helps to make the image more resolute and centered.

Before designing the second print I had decided I not only needed to have a complex background but I also needed a common theme between each print to give a sense of unity. I knew I didn’t want to put my characters in a scene as they needed to be somewhere outside of a tragedy. I chose to create a pattern in the background that acts like a window. I took inspiration from rose windows as well as flowers, to give a natural yet blooming sense behind the characters. I wanted it to be both consistent yet have a sense of movement. To accomplish this I added the element of color in to shine through the “window panes”.

In the second linoleum print, the scene captures a man standing resolutely, gazing outward while Death stands beside him, emblazoned in dark hues that contrast sharply with the man’s solid posture. The composition emphasizes a dialogue grounded in pragmatism rather than sentiment. The man symbolizes clarity and acceptance, as he turns to meet Death's gaze, embodying a logical confrontation of life's ultimate truth. This print invites viewers to reflect on the nature of existence and showcases a nuanced relationship that balances strength with awareness, underscoring the man’s choice to acknowledge rather than evade the presence of his companion.

In this third and final print, Death is depicted gently cradling an infant, embodying a paradox where the end meets the beginning. His presence, traditionally seen as intimidating, is softened by the compassion in his actions, portraying a figure who nurtures rather than frightens. With delicate hands and a tender gaze, Death signifies a universal truth: that all lives, regardless of age, are enveloped in his care. The innocence of the baby, a symbol of love and new beginnings, receives a gentle assurance from Death, reminding us that he doesn't merely take away but also cherishes those who have lived fully and loved deeply. In this moment of serene connection, the artwork captures the gentle embrace of mortality, inviting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of life’s inevitable cycle.

These three prints take on a subtle change of view for the same ending, as death meets with all of them. however, I hope to convey that it is not in the traditional sense of immediate judgement and sentencing but in understanding and empathy. In my trilogy of linoleum prints, the theme of death is explored through a lens that positions death as an empathetic caretaker rather than a harsh judge or executioner. The first print, titled "Confrontation," captures a moment of intense yet serene interaction, where figures face their mortality with a sense of understanding and acceptance. The second piece, "Communication," illustrates a dialogue between the living and the departed, emphasizing the importance of connection and the sharing of experiences as they navigate the inevitable. Finally, "Comfort" portrays a gentle embrace, symbolizing the solace that death can provide, inviting reflection on the cycle of life. Together, these prints invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions of death, highlighting its role as a compassionate guide through the journey of existence.

While the the first series of prints I have started on are not totally complete, they are not the only pieces I have been working on. Another I’d like to share is the piece I am calling desperation. It is an 18 by 24 inch dry-point made on plexiglass. In this striking drypoint print, the image of a coyote captures the complex duality of desperation and need. The coyote, portrayed in the midst of a struggle, is depicted breaking free from a multitude of hands. Some hands appear to clutch at its fur, symbolizing restraint and confinement, while others reach out in a gesture of some sort of solace. The coyote’s expression reflects a sense of panic and desperation to escape. Through intricate and delicate lines along with rich textured shading, the artwork evokes a profound sense of movement and dynamic energy that captivates the viewer's attention.

Continuing to create prints through linoleum and drypoint offers a vital opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of power and the emotions they evoke. I will continue working in both mediums, exploring their unique qualities and characteristics, as well as incorporating some monoprints into my practice. Each technique allows for unique expressions of this dynamic, from the bold, graphic qualities of linoleum cuts to the delicate lines of drypoint and the spontaneous nature of monoprints. As I explore this intersection, I aim to capture the complexities of power and its impact on human emotions. Reflecting not just the assertiveness or dominance it can convey, but also the vulnerability and resistance that accompany it. This exploration will lead to a body of work that provokes thought and invites viewers to engage with the emotional landscape shaped by power dynamics.

While I have created more art so far during my residency, I won’t bore you with a detailed description of each piece just yet. I have many works in progress and some of these will soon be available for viewing and purchase. Next month, I will be sharing another update that offers a deeper look into the creative process behind my artwork and the inspirations that drive my work. Stay tuned for insights, progress, and reflections that reveal what I’ve been up to lately.

Here are a few more snapshots of some of the things I have been working on to tide you over!

Thank you reader for your time and attention, until next time!

first half of an artist residency

Kemple Studios

kempleea@gmail.com