Julianna Joos
'Les mutants' series, Etchings on Copper
Featured Printmaker
Julianna Joos lives and works in Montréal (Canada). She has been a printmaker for forty years, creating mostly etchings, woodcuts and digital prints at Atelier Graff.
What was your first experience of printmaking?
My first experience of printmaking was lino. I was immediately seduced by the idea of creating a matrix which forced me to adapt my images to a process, but enabled me to print multiples and variations.
What inspires you as an artist?
My goal is to tame life through art. I make art as I live; I ask questions, I follow quests, I share discoveries and I look for solutions.
What are you working on at present?
I am presently working on a series of four prints about sand, inspired by my new Australian roots. This series is a sequel to another series of four prints which I did on water; these were inspired by my Canadian roots, more precisely by a lake in the Laurentians, in Quebec.
What is special about printmaking?
Printmaking is a language with its own vocabulary and poetry.
What is your favourite printmaking process, and why?
My favourite printmaking process is etching. What I like about etching is the metal matrix which enables numerous modifications over a long period of time. I explore the qualities of line and the variations of value. I rework the plates till they speak to me, but I nerver feel rushed.
What prompted you to take part in the International Print Exchange?
Exchanges are what printmaking is all about. Printmaking allows artists to create multiples, to print as many works as they wish or need. Prints are easy to pack and send. No other artform is as suited for exchanges as printmaking. I find group projects enriching; I discover the work of other artists and I get to see and own prints I would not have otherwise.
What is your favourite colour?
I need all colours.
What is your favourite paper and ink?
I like papers that are soft and flexible and inks that are intense.
What kind of music do you listen to whilst printmaking?
I prefer silence.
Who is your favourite printmaker?
Goya remains my favorite printmaker and Los Disparates my favourite work. William Blake comes close second.
