2022 residency artists

Donna Brown at The W.O.R.K.S.

Left: Before Social Media, screenprint, 22” x 16”. Right: Donna Brown creating a print in residency at The W.O.R.K.S.

I consider myself very lucky to have been chosen for the CSP Residency, and to have been given the chance to work with Thomas Wojak in his Vallejo studio. I have admired his work for many years and I have valued this unique opportunity to learn from a master printer.

Thomas started by showing me works he has printed for other artists, which gave me insight into the many possibilities of screen print. We discussed what I hoped to accomplish. I wanted to develop a body of work dealing with ancestry and memory. He gave me vital guidance to help me develop a successful approach.

I was initially inspired to apply for this residency after my cousin showed me a photo album created by our grandmother. The experience made me look closer at old family photos again. As an only child, I found my parents family photos very engaging, allowing me to speculate about unknown family history. These old photos were my inspiration, and I learned that Thomas has also worked from old family photos and was interested in exploring this area. With Thomas’ help I was able to bring new images to life.

Although new to screen printing, I have worked in a variety of printmaking processes, primarily reduction woodcuts and etching. My work is generally figurative in nature. The compositions are intuitive and generally progress as I work.

I was able to create three pieces while at The W.O.R.K.S. Great Grandmother Liked to Fish has six layers is 22” x 16” and is an edition of 15. It was my first screen print piece and was a learning experience. The second, Before Social Media has four layers is 22” x 16” and is an edition of 15. The last piece is incomplete and currently untitled. It is 18” x 20” and will be finished with two more colors done by hand.

I learned so much from Thomas during our sessions together, and the experience has been invaluable. I hope to put what I have learned into my practice going forward, and I plan to create many more screenprints.