Monotypes and More…A Selection of Works Done at Timberwick Studios

For 11 years Pokrasso, who has an MFA from the Pratt Institute, owned and directed Graphics Workshop, which he gave to The College of Santa Fe in 1993. He is an originator of the printmaking event Monothan and has been an ardent supporter of arts programs for youth. His teaching experience includes universities, museums, public schools and private workshops, as well as Artist Residencies in the U.S., Scotland, Ireland and Italy. In 2000 Ron Pokrasso received the Mayor’s Recognition Award for Visual Arts citing his artistic and educational contribution to the city of Santa Fe.

A monotype, Pokrasso explains, is “a unique image created by the transfer of hand-applied ink from a flat, smooth, unaltered surface, usually to paper.

“Strictly speaking, it is not really a print since it cannot yield a repeatable image,” he says. “For this reason I like to call it a transfer painting. Most traditional forms of printing have a ‘matrix’ that can produce a repeatable image or an edition. I generally use monotype as a tool to add color to my works on paper usually combining it with other techniques like collage, drawing and more traditional forms of printmaking.”

His latest work shows the influence of frequent travels. “My work has always relied upon images from my experiences. Elements from recent trips to Bali and Italy are finding their way into my work. There is also a greater reliance on more abstract mark making,” explains Pokrasso.

In addition to the show, there will be an event on Saturday, September 20th, where participants will get to pull two monotypes for a nominal fee of $15. Pokrasso is known in the art world as a passionate teacher. “For me, teaching is another form of self-expression,” he says. “I get great satisfaction in helping others move forward in their artistic pursuits. Monotype can be a very freeing mark-making art form and results happen quickly. In some ways it’s very easy to do but extremely rewarding to do well. I am thrilled when a student has a breakthrough.”

As expressed by Pokrasso’s artist statement, his work “spirals around a need to express, making new discoveries, and continually returning to familiar themes. I have always relied upon things that are close to me, things that speak about the passions in my life and are often derived from day-to-day experiences.

“Seldom do I try to portray a literal visual meaning. It is more important to allow content to come through me in the working out of a successful composition,” Pokrasso says. “This relationship with my art falls somewhere between taking full control and just letting things happen. The result is an exploration of balance between frenzied paint scribbling and the tight rendering of a figure; between the regularity of black and white lettering and a multi-colored paint palette. I like to juxtapose seemingly unrelated or competing elements to create visual and technical contrast. I have a conversation with the piece as it unfolds. As the work takes on its own personality, it lets me know where it needs to go and I attempt to get it there.

“The work is complete when it stops asking for more.”

The show, featuring Ron Pokrasso, Michael Coopo, Diane Rolnick, and Aleta Pippin runs from September 17th through Oct. 7 at the gallery, with a reception for the artists from 5 to 7 p.m. September 19th. The monotype “pull” is on Saturday, September 20th from 11am to 3pm at the gallery.

Located at the gateway to historic Canyon Road, Pippin Contemporary, founded May 2011 by artist Aleta Pippin, is committed to showing abstract art that is fresh and vibrant, as well as collectible. Pippin Contemporary’s artists, selected for their energetic and tactile expressions, celebrate life with colorful and authentic insights, expanding the realm of possibilities in their artwork. Their expressions range from abstract paintings to sculpture in stone, metal and glass, bronze, and kinetic sculpture.

Pippin Contemporary provides a sensory experience of color and mood.