Annarie Hildebrand says “As my art language developed I found myself referencing and exploring themes to find connections between places and objects, real and imagined. The objects I use in my artwork are associated with meaningful past events and experiences. Be it a memory of my mother working in her garden, an inherited family heirloom or buying an antique or pretty ceramic vessel at a market. All these objects have it own special meaning and associated place in my life’s journey. Botanical forms and still life studies has strongly influenced my work thus far.
Continual growth and change inspires me and printmaking is an extension of my attempt to capture moments of wonder and beauty of the world we live in. I attempt to tell a story using repetition, shadows, tonal values and colour.
More recently I have been exploring concepts of reflection, symmetry and balance in my artwork. I find it fascinating how small differences can affect the whole; a continuous process of adding and subtracting to restore balance.
Intaglio etching is my preferred printmaking medium as it is versatile and sensitive. With the application of an aquatint on zinc or copper plates and use of step etching I am able to explore the subtle tonal variations of an image.
I find printmaking an exciting process of experimentation as each component – inking, wiping method, paper etc. – add unlimited variety and a potential element of surprise.”
