Borroloola artists perfect printmaking skills

Artists from the remote Northern Territory community of Borroloola have learned valuable skills in printmaking and etching at a Vocational and Education Training workshop.

Seven Waralungku Arts Centre artists completed printmaking units in a Certificate II in Visual Arts during the seven-day workshop at Northern Editions printmaking studio on Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus. 

Some artists undertook units at Borroloola in 2013 and will continue the course next year. 

Northern Editions Gallery Manager Chris Miezis said the artists could use their screens to print designs on products, such as t-shirts, which they could sell at their art centre.

“These workshops hone in on the artists’ skills,” Ms Miezis said.

“The artists also have a product to sell by the end of the workshop, which brings income into the community.”

Senior artist Nancy McDinny said she hoped to pass on the skills she had learned in the workshop to young people in the Borroloola community.

“This is my first time doing printing and I am learning new skills,” Ms McDinny said.

“I hope to use these skills in the future and teach them to the young children if they are interested.”

Fellow artist Stewart Hoosan praised Northern Editions printmakers Glynis Lee and Karlissa Kennedy for running the workshop.

“I have never done printmaking before and the teachers here are really great,” Mr Hoosan said.

Northern Editions has been running printmaking workshops and delivering VET units in remote Indigenous communities for more than 20 years. The Northern Editions printmakers have also collaborated with artists from across Australia and the Pacific.