Vivien Davimes

Printmaker

I am a fine art printmaker, working from my studio at Waiake on Auckland's North Shore. Born in Southern Africa, raised there and in the UK, I am fortunate to now call New Zealand home. 

 My art school training was in the UK, specialising in Textile Design, and although I still love to dabble in a variety of media, the majority of my works today involve printmaking.

 Intaglio etchings, linocuts/woodcuts with screen prints, monoprints and drypoint with chine-collé, are produced on my press in my  studio. I love the whole process and techniques involved in etching, but lately I have had to eliminate the hazardous substances associated with traditional etching techniques; this has forced me to try other printmaking methods which I now enjoy.

 All my prints are produced on heavy weight acid free paper and in small editions of no more than 25. The majority of my Intaglio Etchings are multi coloured, varied editions. This means that although the print is from the same plate, no two are ever the same as they are inked individually; this is a process called a la poupeé. My Relief/Screen Print combinations are also varied editions, not printed in one go, but usually in two or threes in various colour ways.

 I am very fortunate to have a studio close to the sea, with wonderful views of the Hauraki Gulf. This proximity to the coastline continues to feed my creativity. I am passionate about our native birds, seabirds, our oceans, the seashore with its flora and fauna, and all the events that play out upon our water. The majority of my work reflects this. Currently, I am working on a series of New Zealand’s native birds to bring awareness to their fragility from human impact, environmental factors and close development to their breeding/nesting sites. 

I hold membership of numerous art groups/societies and show my work in selected exhibitions around the country.  During the summer months, I open my studio/home gallery either by appointment or on advertised 'Open Studio" days, to show my work and give talks to groups interested in the various printmaking techniques I employ.