An exhibition of etchings by Australian

contemporary printmaker, Kate Piekutowski

Artist Statement

Homage to Home is an exhibition of hand-painted etchings that reflect on my life in Brisbane, memories, motherhood and a sense of belonging. Many of these compositions came to me during pregnancy and post birth. Naturally, vessels, Australian native plants and symbols of growth and fertility have become the catalyst for this new body of work; becoming an ode, or an homage rather, to my home.

These hand-painted etchings incorporate subtle motifs that are representative to my life and personal experiences over the past few years. Seeing Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers in Musee D’Orsay in Paris, my husband proposing in Michelangelo’s rose garden and visiting Kalbar sunflower fields with my family are just some of the memories that echo throughout this work. Travel and connections to place continue to inspire me and are present through the architecture both European, more specifically Florence architecture, and Australian, Brisbane buildings and familiar places near our home in Enoggera.

As a new mum, I have been fascinated by historical symbols of fertility such as pomegranates and bees. Pomegranates are often associated with the Greek Goddess of love, Aphrodite. In Hinduism, there are references to bees when Vishnu created the season Spring from one of his footprints. From Spring flowed the mead, which bestowed fertility upon those who drank it. In Ancient Rome, they believe that Jupiter, who was their deity similarly to Greek Gods and Goddesses, was nourished by bees in infancy.

Alongside these symbols, vessels have become an important part of motherhood and a symbol of femininity. I have incorporated a number of vessels in the work, including wine glasses, espresso coffee maker and most importantly, a vase. Old, antique vases with ornate patterning are significant to me as we had a number of them in our house growing up. As a child, my parents often brought me along to auction houses and antique collectable stores. They would often explain the significance, origins and historical importance of an item they would bid on. Similarly, to the pomegranate, the vase inherited the fruit’s auspicious meaning as a symbol of happiness and fertility. According to history, Ancient Egyptians are thought to be the earliest civilization to have used vases for decorative purposes. There is also evidence suggesting they were the first to use vases to store flowers. The vase is elegant, beautiful, feminine and at the same time holds a purpose.

History and symbolism seem to go hand in hand, weaving their way through the past to the present. I like to think that as an etcher, these thoughts and expressions are inherently burnt into the metal, creating a permanent state of narrative. After all, etching itself is an old, traditional printmaking technique dating back to 15th century, Germany. This body of work aims to reflect on these personal and romanticised memories, thoughts and ideas, entwining and merging my past and present self.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Below is my Catalogue list of etchings for the exhibition. The exhibition runs from the 26th April - 7th of May at Revival Gallery (Unit 3/17 Greg Chappell Street, Albion, QLD).

These etchings are all framed and are purchasable through the gallery or contact me directly to organise sales at hello@katepiekutowskiprintmaker.com

The exhibition opening is Friday 28th of April 5-7pm.