The Dutch artist, Alexandra Meerdink (The Nederland 1968), stayed at our residence for three weeks. Alexandra loves both Nature and art, and devotes her time to sculpting, painting and etching. Her intention was to etch with electrolysis for a week – because it is a non-toxic and sustainable technique – and paint for another week. I accepted this “extra” proposal even although, generally speaking, artists come to electro-etch and I am not usually interested in offering the studio for any technique other than that. However, Alexandra liked the space and the peace to work so much that she decided to stay for two weeks first etching and printing, and then making monoprints. Afterwards she spent about five more days in a hotel in Agaete because she fell in love with the island of Gran Canaria and its wonderful climate - compared to the cold of Holland - although unfortunately for the locals, we are having a winter that is somewhat warmer than usual and without rain. Before she left, she told us that she would do everything possible to return next year.
Alexandra is a very demanding of herself as an artist. She practised some basic techniques of electrolytic bite and, above all, really enjoyed using graphite ink resist.
Pictures from the workshop
Alexandra Meerdink speaks about her experience in the workshop-residency
Elektrisch etsen in een prachtige subtropische omgeving. Het huis en Atelier staat
een beetje surrealistisch onder de monumentale brug die uitkijkt over de Noord-Atlantische oceaan met zijn grote rollende golven.
Een mooi privéverblijf om uit te rusten van Alfonso's lessen in etsen.
Ik heb ook geëxperimenteerd met afdrukken in het goed uitgeruste atelier.
Een rustige plek om te ontspannen en inspiratie op te doen. Het is nogal een contrast van het vlakke natte groene land in Nederland naar deze rotsachtige droge wereld met de bananen- en palmbomen.
Alfonso helpt je in het proces van etsen, zijn specialiteiten en vaardigheden.
Ik had een mooie tijd
Een goede plek en de gastvrije familie.
------------------------------------ English translation by Alexandra Meerdink --------------------------------------
Electroetching in a beautiful subtropical setting. The house and Atelier stands
a bit surreal under the monumental bridge overlooking the North Atlantic with its great rolling waves.
A nice private residence to rest from Alfonso's lessons in etching.
I also experimented with prints in the well-equipped workshop.
A quiet place to relax and get inspiration. It is a contrast from the flat wet green land in Holland to this rocky dry world with the banana and palm trees.
Alfonso helps you in the process of etching and his specialties and abilities.
I had a great time
I loved the place and its welcoming family.
Thank you Amparo and Alfonso
Alexandra Meerdink's electro-etchings and monoprint
