helen tago • Aug 21, 2018 19

Residency in Gran Canaria

Coming from the "flat Earth" it seamed unbelivable, that there are no shortcuts in mountainroads

For a long time I was trying to find contemporary, less toxic alternatives for etching copper. On the website nontoxicprintmaking.com I found Electro-etching. I ordered the book by Alfonso Crujera and started experimenting. After initial testing I even taught it to other printmakers but I felt like I needed a push to keep going. Three years later I managed to travel to the beautiful island of Gran Canaria to the wonderful studio of master Alfonso Crujera.

I spent there two intensive weeks and learned a lot. I found out how the environment influences your choices. As I had to divide my time between my family and studio we rented a house on the top of a mountain in a nearby village. Each morning I walked for 40 minutes downhill and spent 4 intensive hours in the studio.

The studio is located under the bridge. Stunning views all around.

As I had only limited time in the studio I had to leave my comfort zone and draw directly on the plate. And I had to abandon my plan to continue the themes I worked on in Estonia as the Island volcanic landscape and nature kidnapped my imagination.

The biggest vertical etching tank i´ve ever seen

Alfonso was very supportive and encouraging. The studio is spacious and well equipped not to mention the view. An artists dream. I learned a lot by observing the master working. My workflow improved. It was a very nice experience.