The Travel Romantic
My exhibition ‘The Travel Romantic’ has opened at Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral, NSW! I love this small country town filled with gorgeous shops, galleries and cute cafes. If you live in Sydney or Canberra this rural town is a lovely weekend drive away!
Here is a short statement about the exhibition:
The Travel Romantic explores my relationship to various places and memories. Connections to place and home have been overarching themes in my work for the last decade, from my Tasmanian/Polish roots, to living in Melbourne, to exploring artist residencies in India, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and New Zealand. However, this new body of work echoes specific memories that I’ve collected over the years which are portrayed through compositions, motifs and within the hand-painted elements, repetition, layering and patterns. As a contemporary printmaker specializing in multi-layered, hand-painted etchings, detail and intricacy is a crucial part of my practice. Etchings need to be seen up close to witness all the acid marks, the ink marks and printing detail. Similarly, to a memory, these etchings are designed to be viewed intimately by the audience. They ultimately intend to evoke nostalgia for the past, memories and a romanticised perspective on travel.
Check out the artworks in the exhibition below or follow the link to visit the Milk Factory Gallery website:
https://milkfactorygallery.com.au/exhibitions/kate-piekutowski-the-travel-romantic/
La Vie En Rose
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching
with acrylic paint, gold
leaf pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 1/30 2024
$700.00
As the title suggests, through rose tinted glasses, this etching romanticises, indulges, yearns for Paris. From the view of my first apartment in Paris – albeit only a week stay, but still my first apartment! I had a view maybe not quite as beautiful as this but the balcony did overlook an old church and a charming street in the 14th Arrondissiment. I think deep down I pretended to live here, as we bought fresh fruit, veggies, meats, cheese and baguettes from the local farmers market. The apartment was on the 6thfloor with of course no elevator in the peak of summer but the pastries and galleries definitely made up for it!
Beauty of Dreaming
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, silver leaf pigment,
silver leaf and gloss varnish
Edition Artist Proof 1/1 2024
$750.00
Walking down the Champs Elysees, a famous avenue spanning nearly 2 kilometres from Place de la Concorde to Arc de Triomphe in Paris. All the lights are sparkling and I can see couture everywhere - Chanel, Versace, Dior, Gucci, Hermes and many other fashion houses. As a victim of fashion, this was heaven to me! I had never seen anything like it, having lived most of my life in little old Hobart. The famous Galeries Lafayette and the smell of expensive perfume lingered. Paris truly is the fashion capital, a place to dream and where possibilities are endless.
Flowering Eucalyptus Dreams
Hand-painted Etching with acrylic paint,
gold leaf pigment and gloss varnish.
Varied State, Edition 2/30 2024
$2200.00
Le Marche Aux Fleurs
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching
with acrylic paint, gold
leaf pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 1/30 2024
$1400.00
On the island in the middle of the Seine is the oldest flower market in Paris. Filled with sunflowers, roses, lilies, peonies, dahlias, poppies, tulips, begonias and every other variety of flower you can imagine. Antique bird cages and miniature hot air balloons hang from the ceilings, making your eyes wander in all directions. Vases, pots, garden tools, bird houses, watering cans and seeds are scattered amongst the market, where choice of knickknack becomes infinite. I devour all of its charm and nostalgia, knowing that people have browsed this market for over 200 years.
Lavender Fields in Provence
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, gold leaf pigment
and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 2/30 2024
$750.00
Lavender Fields in Provence is inspired by travelling and my relationship to the landscape. This is a beautiful and historic area known for its stunning fields of lavender. Famous artists would flock to this area to paint them and capture the light. Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cezanne and Pierre-August Renoir are just some of the artists that used Provence as their muse.
Architect of Dreams
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted etching with acrylic,
silver leaf pigment and Gloss Varnish
Varied State, Limited edition 6/30 2024
$1400.00
Motherhood is a beautiful thing. I’ve devoured this role, engulfed its beauty and cherished it entirely. But there is a moment where I look in the mirror and don't recognise the person staring back. There is a time when we all look in the mirror wondering how did we get here? How did our journey lead us to this point? Architect of Dreams is inspired by reclaiming identity, finding oneself again and dreaming about possibilities. I have focussed on symbolism where the hot air balloon is representative of freedom, hope and adventure. The ultramarine blue hues, silver leaf/pigment and ephemeral tones aim to evoke imagination and memories of childhood. There is a certain strength and resilience in the position of the figure and how she paints the sky so confidently. The halo effect around her is delicate and soft from the inked plate tone and lightness creates a sense of hope, perhaps hope about the future or what's to come.
Midnight in Firenze
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, gold leaf pigment
and gloss varnish.
$1400.00
Midnight in Firenze is inspired by the Ponte Vecchio and the day I got engaged to my husband. I remember walking along the water and looking back at how beautiful all the houses along the river looked. The sunlight was strong but it was still a cool morning. I was wearing a white dress and a large straw hat with a black ribbon I had purchased a few days earlier from Riomaggiore, one of the small towns in Cinque Terre. We were walking up to the monastery or maybe it was a cathedral (I can’t remember) and we specifically wanted to visit Michelangelo’s Rose Garden. The rose garden was beautiful, magical, particularly because it had the view of the city. There was hardly anyone in the gardens from memory and it felt like we were the only ones there, floating in our little bubble and just for a moment nothing else mattered.
Pizzeria in Bologna
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching
with acrylic paint, gold
leaf pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 18/30 2024
$550.00
Bologna is a famous medieval city known for its Bolognese and pasta. But apart from the delicious carbs, I fell in love the medieval and renaissance art they had on display in the museum. The art at the Musei Civici d'Arte Antica in Bologna evokes important landmarks, religion, politics and civic fervour that was of significance at the time. There is allot of passion, anger, war, bloodshed, love within the work, really capturing the essence of this period. I’m fascinated by the religious iconography, the halo effect around the figures, the darkened edges in painting, the textures, gold leaf and arch shapes that were particularly evident in architecture at the time. This small, yet significant etching, indulges in the architecture of Bologna, it’s history and the memories of this enchanting town.
Pomegranate Wine
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted etching with acrylic,
gold leaf pigment and Gloss Varnish
Varied State, Limited edition 4/30
$550.00
Wine has been frequently used as a motif in my work. I think there are a number of deeply symbolic references here. When I was travelling allot, particularly in Italy, wine was a way of bringing people together, a celebration of culture. It was a symbol of friendship and connection. I particularly remember the siestas at my first artist residency on the island of Murano (Venice) and each artist would take turns cooking a meal in the studio and we would talk for hours whilst drinking red wine. I remember the German artist/graphic designer who made a traditional dish using livers which I thought at the time was the most disgusting thing, particularly as a vegetarian! But when I tasted it, my senses were absolutely delighted. I still remember the buttery, creamy texture, as well as the wine, the smell of printmaking inks and solvents lingering in the background, and the distinctive aroma of cigars that our mentor, Jean Franko used the smoke.
That memory was from over a decade ago, but I’ve found the symbol of wine and the ‘vessel’ ever changing. In my early thirties I got married, moved to Brisbane, bought a house but we struggled to get pregnant. It was a battle for me and I was incredibly sick during my first pregnancy. The concept of the vessel changed for me as I saw its sacred symbol in many cultures. The wine cup has got a specific utilitarian purpose however it has been also religious connotations such as in Christianity and The Last Supper. In ancient Greek mythology, wine could be associated with fertility such as Dionysus, the God of Wine-making, orchards and fruit vegetation. Pomegranate were also a strong motif for fertility, featuring in the myth of Hades and Persephone. Pomegranates also feature in Jewish and Hindu traditions symbolising prosperity and fertility. I have incorporated these two motifs in this whimsical composition to capture my personal journey, a juxtaposition between the delights and struggles of life.
Reminiscing At The Louvre
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted etching with acrylic,
goldleaf pigment and Gloss Varnish
Varied State, Limited edition 7/30
$1400.00
Reminiscing at the Louvre is inspired by the first time I visited Paris. I was only 18 and one year into Art School. We had just finished a semester of art theory on some of the painters from the Romantic Era. I found myself consumed by Eugene Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People' and I think it was the scale of this painting, the emphasis on symbolism and also people fighting for their freedom which I found so impactful. The layering and messages in the detail is exquisite and the use of imagination yet incorporating life events felt truly authentic for its time. I particularly resonated with these themes as a young adult figuring out my place in the world. Similarly, to this painting, the hint of red is often present in my work as a sort of Polish Patriotism, incorporating a hint of my heritage. It is specifically that cardinal red with a hint of crimson. But in a way, red has also been symbolic to me of freedom, passion, love, dedication and a desperation - fighting for who I am. I remember my feet hurting after hours of walking on cobble stones and gallery browsing in Paris. But I was so determined to wear my beautiful black leather Mary Jane shoes with a gold buckle. I had the chicest navy CUE dress outfit with a deep red crocodile leather bag (I think I had seen something similar from Breakfast at Tiffanies!). The importance of wearing this outfit surpassed the need for comfort as it was a way to express myself and my identity. Like in theatre, a costume can tell a story about a person, revealing and concealing simultaneously.
Romance in Manarolla
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, gold leaf pigment
and gloss varnish
Varied state, edition 2/30 2024
$590.00
This etching was created as a smaller commissioned version of Romance in Monterosso for one of my clients who loves travelling. We share this interest and I love how this smaller etching captures a different feeling, perhaps an even more intimate memory. The ultramarine blue in the dress emphasises a dreamy and ethereal quality as she reflects into the distance.
Tea Rooms in Gallerie Vero Dodat, Paris
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching
with acrylic paint, gold leaf
pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 1/30 2024
$1400.00
My neighbour, with whom I’ve become very close, often talks to me about the resilience of women, mothers in particular. Sometimes when I have been near to breaking point, she’ll remind me that we are like a tea bag and that we never know our strength until we’re in hot water. Although not the exact words, this was a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. Of course, it resonates with me every time as we sit on the front porch sipping our cups of tea just before I pick my son up from day-care. The tea cup is humble, yet a petite vessel that seems to hold onto conversations and our memories. We don’t even realise the importance of this daily ritual and the places they may take us.
The God of Doors
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, silver leaf pigment,
silver leaf and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 2/30 2024
$2400.00
The God of Doors is inspired by the Roman God, Janus. He was the God of doors and gates. This is a sentimental etching, as the idea came to me during a pivotal moment in my life where there was allot of change. I had become a mother, a wife, but questioned my purpose, my career path and what I was going to do next. But I couldn’t live in the past, or stress about the future. I had to knowingly stay in the present; and as one door closed, another opened. There was a sense of the unknown but simultaneously knowing that life moves forward and something would present itself. The composition of this etching is based on a photograph of me posing in one of the old streets in Riomaggiore, Italy. The architecture was so charming here with little winding streets, old doors, rustic windows and so, so, many stairs. The stairs are quite elongated in this artwork, almost as though it leads up to something, perhaps heaven or something of divine or higher purpose. I’m not particularly religious but I am fascinated by the significance of motifs and vessels and how they are portrayed in ancient fables, mythology and text.
Wild Cherries and Pierogi
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching
with acrylic paint, gold
leaf pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 1/30 2024
$1250.00
When I was about 15, my parents took me to Poland to visit some of my family in the south. They were definitely the country sort, absolutely gorgeous, warm, kind and opened their hearts to me in a way I’ll never forget. I felt at home for the first time in a long time. As I didn’t grow up around much family apart from my parents and older brother, I felt surrounded and besotted with my three aunties and distant relatives. They wanted to cook in the kitchen with me and show their traditional process of making pierogi. We all had our own little stations and jobs. I was at the end of the chain and was responsible for putting the filling into the little pastry and bundling them up. Of course, I had to have a taste them in the process before anyone noticed! We made my favourite Pierogi Ruski (Russian Pierogi) with a filling of potato and cheese but a unique flavour we made with wild cherries. They were served with a sweet cheese-type sauce and they tasted like heaven. My memory of this moment was of sweet dumplings, hot summer nights and wild flowers and fruits growing in the meadow.
The Flowers of Sainte Chapelle
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted etching with acrylic,
gold leaf pigment and gloss varnish
Varied State, Edition 3/30, 2024
$2400.00
Le Marché aux Fleurs is an old flower market that started in 1808, Paris. It is situated on the Île de la Cité between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. This market is filled with small outdoor shops selling flowers, plants, old books, postcards and small Parisienne inspired gifts. I remember one morning visiting the stunning Sainte-Chapelle but it wasn’t until I saw the markets that I truly found my ‘temple’. There was an energy about the place, full of vibrancy, charm and quaintness. From sunflowers, to roses, lilies, chrysanthemum, peonies, tulips, azalea, poppies, Cala lilies, daisies, and begonias. The variety of plants was immeasurable. I loved the artists painting in the old square with their easels and the smell of oil paints lingering. I think from the age of 19 this was going to be my dream, a vision of me romantically painting and selling my work under a striped umbrella and wearing a beret. I still hope one day that will happen.
The Vase of Aphrodite
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted etching with acrylic,
Gold leaf pigment and Gloss Varnish
Varied State, Limited edition 2/30 2024
$2200.00
Still life and plants continuously grow within my work. The Vase of Aphrodite is reflective of that and is symbolic of fertility and femininity. The flowers were inspired by a bouquet from a wedding I went to recently and the beauty of two people coming together. It was celebration of love but also a celebrating of community and finding a sense of belonging. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is also symbolised in this work through the ornate vessel portraying femininity and also the strength of a mother. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.
Romance in Monterosso
By Kate Piekutowski
Hand-painted Etching with
acrylic paint, gold leaf pigment
and gloss varnish
Varied state, Edition 8/30 2024
$1400.00
My now husband and I had a day in Monterosso a few years ago. We caught the train from Riomaggiore, another town in Cinque Terre. It’s such a charming place, despite the hustle and bustle of the tourists in summer. Monterosso is situated on a sandy (also pebbly) beach with striped umbrellas for rent. We’d spend the day lounging, buying paper cones filled with fresh cooked seafood, eating pistachio ice-cream and browsing all the shops searching for the perfect olive tree charcuterie board. The streets in Monterosso can seem similar, yet when you look closely there is always something distinguishable about them like a vintage bike, small shrine or a mural. Sometimes it’s worth looking closely, seeing the little things and finding the charm in the mundane.
Thank you so much for checking out my latest journal!
Hope you enjoyed reading about my latest pieces and the stories behind them. Please have a look at the Milk Factory Gallery website and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch! Most etchings I have available on the website apart from a few which are yet to be put up. But all works are available framed through the gallery.
You can always get in touch at hello@katepiekutowskiprintmaker.com
Thanks,
Kate x
