SW Artist J Purmal Piek "Taos outlet Mission" Original Stone Lithograph Limited Edition 1984 signed

"Taos Mission"

by J. Purmal Piek

Limited Edition Stone Lithograph on white Arches Fine Art Paper

Hand signed & numbered by the artist in pencil

Southwest Graphics Number: 84-235

Paper Size: 16" x 22 1/4"

Edition Size: 65

Edition Number: SGI (Southwest Graphics Impression)

1984

Excellent condition

Certificate of Authenticity is included

What is an original stone lithograph?

When an artist creates a work of art on a stone plate, they make what is known as an original stone "lithograph." Because this is a highly specialized process, an original stone lithograph is NOT a reproduction but rather a one-of-a-kind unique piece of artwork. Lithography, or "stone art," was first used around 1789 and is based on the simple physical principle that oil and water do not mix. To create a lithograph, artists often draw an image in reverse on limestone with crayons. The stone is then dampened with water, which is repelled by the greasy medium wherever the artist has drawn their art on the stone. Afterwards, the stone is pressed with a massive roller loaded with oily ink which adheres to the greasy areas of the design, but is repelled by the wet areas of bare stone. Following this, the paper is pressed to the stone and the ink is transferred onto the paper. In a color lithograph, a different stone is used for each color where the stone must be re-inked every time the image is pressed onto the paper. Most modern lithographs are signed and numbered to establish an edition of the print.

An offset lithograph, also known as a limited edition print, is a reproduction by a mechanical process where the artist has in no way contributed to the making of an original print: that is, they have not designed the plate. Instead, printings, drawings, and watercolors are photo-mechanically reproduced. Very often an artist signs a number of these "reproductions," but they are not true original lithographs.

J. Purmal Piek
Piek did her undergraduate and graduate studies in the field of Fine Art and became the third woman in the United States to become a Tamarind Master Printer from Tamarind Institute, University of New Mexico.

After moving to New Mexico, Ms Piek started acquainting herself with the countryside by sketching, painting, and photographing. Gradually she came to know and appreciate the Indians of the region through their arts and crafts and especially in their religious ceremonies. Because of her interest in the art of hand lithography, she decided to translate her images of the Southwest into this medium. Her lithographs reflect the clarity of light and brilliant skies in contrast to the forceful substance of the earth and architecture of the pueblo country.

Piek co-founded Southwest Graphics Workshop in Scottsdale, Arizona, the first private lithographic workshop outlet in the state of Arizona.

Unquestionably, Ms Piek's heart is in the Southwest, especially in the pueblo country, although her travels have taken her to other parts of the country, she feels that the more cultures of the world she comes to know, the greater her understanding will be for the Southwest.

Shipping Information

SHIPPED in tube within the continental US.

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