silkscreen: control versus spontaniousity
landschapsschilder voerman
When I was asked to create the Hattem Print 2023, I immediately wondered: what makes Hattem unique? My thoughts went straight to Voerman, the famous landscape painter from Hattem, who often captured the town from the perspective of the Hoenwaard. I too paint regularly in the Hoenwaard along the IJssel, which serves as a natural source of inspiration for me. Additionally, the iconic skyline of Hattem is instantly recognizable. I have brought these elements together in my work. Normally, I would capture such a landscape in oil paint or ceramics, but for this occasion, I created a free interpretation using iris printing—a silkscreen technique.
organic working flow
My artistic approach is typically organic, beginning with pure inspiration that evolves further during the process. I adjust where necessary, which makes each art project unique. This uniqueness is essential to me; every piece reflects the specific moment in which it is created. My process contrasts strongly with the controlled technique of screen printing, which focuses on repeatability and large editions, where each print is identical.
silkscreen
The silkscreen print offers a unique twist on traditional screen printing, allowing me to break free from its strict, controlled nature. In a regular screen print, typically only one ink color is used per pass, but the iris print allows multiple colors to be applied simultaneously. This causes the colors to blend spontaneously during the squeegeeing process, with the result remaining unpredictable. As a result, each iris print is different and has a unique appearance. This creates an exciting and enjoyable creative process, where each print is one-of-a-kind and unpredictable, exactly the way I like it.
charity
The Hattem Print is an annual initiative by the Lions Club Hattem, where each year an artist is invited to create a piece of artwork using the screen printing technique. The proceeds from these prints go entirely to a good cause: the Stichting Leergeld Noord Veluwe (Learning Fund North Veluwe Foundation).
ordering numbered silkscreen print www.hattemprent.nl
information charity www.stichtingleergeldnoordveluwe.nl
