Astrid Lempriere is an Australia-based linocut artist whose work is defined by the creation of single block portraiture and people-focused studies. Through her artworks, Astrid aims to evoke wonder, inspiration, and a profound connection to the subject matter. Balancing her printmaking practise with teaching workshops adds another layer of fulfilment for the artist; “Sharing my skill and passion with others is incredibly rewarding and seeing participants overcome their carving challenges.”
Teaching was a natural step for the printmaker, as in previous roles she taught and facilitated learning. Astrid states; “The skills I’ve honed in my practise directly assist when teaching others how to tackle texture, shading, design etc”.
As a printmaking artist, Astrid’s journey begins with the hunt for the perfect reference image. Once found, she traces the outlines on to a lino block. She tells us; “I thrive on spontaneity and intuition, often diving straight into the carving process without over planning”. This approach allows her to stay authentic, creating art that truly reflects her tastes and beliefs. Astrid states; “I find the magic truly unfolds the first time I roll ink across a clean block; an experience that never loses its charm”.
Being self-taught, Astrid’s path to producing perfect prints was fraught with trial and error. Today, she experiments with various techniques, from using blankets and layers of paper, to printing pins, asking other artists for tips along the way. She works exclusively in monochrome; a choice that allows her to focus on the intricate play of positive and negative spaces. Thus, Astrid’s toolkit is minimalistic, and she relies on a single favourite carving tool for 95% of her work.
“Portraiture holds a special place in my heart. Recently I’ve begun experimenting with compositions that don’t fully reveal the subjects face. This deliberate ambiguity invites viewers to project themselves into the imagery fostering a deeper connection with the piece.”
Several milestones stand out in Astrid’s printmaking journey, as she tells us; “The first sale of my work was a tangible affirmation of its worth, and winning an award in a competition that included seasonal artists working on a much larger scale was another significant achievement. The positive feedback I receive from workshop participants is equally gratifying.”
Looking ahead, Astrid has two more exhibitions and couple of local art shows scheduled for this year. Her goal for the next year is to secure exhibitions in a large gallery in a capital city, broadening her reach and the impact of her work. She concludes; “The journey of a printmaker is ever evolving and I’m excited to see where it takes me next”.
www.astridlempriere.com
@astrid.lempriere
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