Dry Point Etching - Unframed Limited Edition of 10 Signed by Artist
This work, ‘Ruruku’, centres on a Kōuma breastplate pendant, a motif often seen in pounamu form. Etched with a raranga weaving pattern, the title ‘Ruruku’ speaks to the act of binding or tying together, physically, culturally, and spiritually. In this work, the pendant is more than an adornment. It becomes a visual metaphor for the connections that hold us: to whānau, to whenua, to whakapapa. The woven pattern across the breastplate draws from raranga traditions (weaving traditions), symbolising strength in unity and the layering of knowledge passed down through generations. The scratched, textured lines reflect the hands-on nature of both raranga and jewellery-making; Intimate, deliberate, and dexterous.
Drypoint etching is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image/ drawing is scratched directly onto a metal or acrylic plate using a sharp needle. The action of drawing raises a burr (a ridge of displaced material) along the lines, which holds ink and creates rich, velvety marks when printed. Ink is applied to the plate and then wiped so it remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then run through a printing press with damp paper, transferring the image onto the paper under pressure. Each print captures the delicate textures and expressive quality of the hand-drawn lines.
PAPER: Black Ink on Fabriano Paper
SIZE: Image (including signature, title and number: 300mm x 245mm, Paper: 495mm x 350mm
