Renate Klein, Precarious, photopolymer etching, 10 x 12 in., 2020.
Renate Klein, Wild, artist book, accordion structure, pulp-painted handmade paper, photopolymer etching of original pencil drawing, closed: 8 x 11 in.; fully extended: 96 in., 2021.
Artist’s Statement
I am interested in the impact of human activity on the natural environment, in particular changing habitats, pollution, and the precariousness of human-made structures as they are exposed to natural events. Everything that exists reflects a balance of forces that is constantly changing, and not necessarily to the benefit of humans.
In terms of artistic media, I have a particular interest in etching, both traditional forms such as spit-biting and aquatint, and newer techniques such as photopolymer etching. I also work with handmade pulp-painted paper that I make at the Paperstudio John Gerard in Rheinbach, Germany.
Precarious references the precariousness of human-made structures when exposed to strong natural forces like tornadoes or floods. Photopolymer film on a copper plate was developed by cutting out stencils and painting developer onto the film layer. This artist print is done with à la poupée coloring.
Wild addresses the disappearance of wildflowers in intensive agriculture. Heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides creates monocultures that leave only small islands here and there where wildflowers might still survive. This artist book with accordion binding is made from handmade, pulp-painted paper printed with images of wildflowers. The prints are photopolymer etchings based on original drawings of wildflowers.