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Artist Exhibitions:
Coming Soon!
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Artist Galleries:
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Artist Reviews:
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Collections:
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Commissions:
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Artist Statement for Jack Mccarthy
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I am basically a story-teller who uses prints as my vocabulary. My approach to printmaking is eclectic. On one hand, I use traditional relief printing methods either a baren or a 1947 Vandercook Press, named Ursula. On the other hand, I experiment using brayers, stencils, natural and found objects, anything that has texture.
My work is influenced by life experience and, most importantly, my constant amazement of what human beings believe in and how they choose to live their lives!
Many of my prints are allegorical in nature and almost all are visual stories. I am presently working on a variety of projects:
One is a series of relief prints based on medieval stories, both secular and religious. One edition is comprised of prints depicting religious beliefs and stories of 8th to 14th century Europe, what is normally but erroneously called "The Dark Ages" and/or the Gothic Period. The stories are delightful and, at times, gruesome. Many are Christian stories based on non-Christian (pagan) myths.
The second project is a small edition of handmade books with original prints based on the Old Testament.
The third is a book which will be a pictorial depiction of the life and times of the famous Brazilian bandit, Lampiao and his girlfriend, Maria Bonita. A vicious foe of the Brazilian government, loved by the peasants, and, to this day, still held as a folk hero in northeast Brazil.
Finally, a new series based on “Cowboy Stuff” such as boots, spurs, saddles, chaps, etc.
All of my work tends to be "in your face" wrought with intrigue, whimsy and irony. It is important that you take time as you view my work as there is more to be seen than meets the eye.
In addition to my very tight and traditional relief prints, I also work with monoprints. While traditional prints are done in editions (multiples of the same print - all exactly alike), a monoprint is just that - one of a kind. My monoprinting is very distinct, spontaneous and usually based around specific themes. Even though each is unique - they often share common elements with each other. My monoprints tend to be identifiable by the strong use of colors, textures and are usually executed on handmade, archival, acid-free papers.
I have exhibited throughout the United States. My prints are in collections in the United States as well as in Brazil, France, Netherlands, Japan and South Africa.
I am one of the founding members of both the New Mexico Printmakers Society as well as the New Mexico Printmakers Gallery located Santa Fe, New Mexico. Currently, I am employed as Deputy Director of the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am currently showing at a Santa Fe Gallery “Works on Paper / New Mexico Printmakers Gallery”.
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