Embracing Uncertainty

Sowa Art District in Boston - October

     Embracing Uncertainty, organized by Claudia Fiks, draws on the philosophical ideas of Bertrand Russell, who believed that embracing doubt fosters wisdom, creativity, and growth. Russell argued that the pursuit of absolute certainty limits progress, while uncertainty can spark intellectual and artistic exploration. This exhibition challenges artists to explore their vulnerabilities and the unknown within their work. It encourages both artists and viewers to see uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, reflecting Russell's belief that accepting unpredictability can lead to new perspectives and innovation. 

Note: Universe Series - Night Mare & Monkey Mars were in this exhibition.

Screen printing

Zea Mays Printmaking in Florence, Massachusetts

     Serigraphy, commonly known as silkscreen printing, is a modern printmaking mode with a very old history. Its origins can be traced to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in China and then it made its appearance in Europe in the 18th century. It is a stencil-based printing process, which has been used widely for commercial purpose, but it takes skill and knowledge to make a fine art print using this method. Some historically important fine artists who used this method of printmaking were Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall and Peter Max.

     The most important part of the process is making drawings that will make great transparencies or stencils. Zimmerman understands this and creates her original drawings, not only as works of art on their own, but thinking about how they will translate into stencils. Her thoughtful use of the white of the paper, her textured shading and her attention to the negative space all are essential in her drawings and make this translation natural. Once her drawing is complete, her stencils are made by separating the elements of her finished drawings to create a layered design, so each color has its own stencil. Once this is done the rest of the process goes as follows. Her stencils are placed on very fine screens that are coated with a light sensitive emulsion and encased in a metal framework. The screens are then exposed to intense light for a specific time so that where the stencils block the light; the emulsion remains soft while the rest of the emulsion hardens. These soft areas are then rinsed out with water leaving open areas where ink can pass through. When ink is applied, it is pushed through these open areas marking the paper below. One or more screens are made this way depending on the number of colors desired in the print. The inking is also repeated using one screen per color to layer the different colors on each sheet of paper in the edition.

Note: Zimmerman was working on Animal Engineering Series.

Speak Up III

Sowa Art District in Boston - November

Dear Kathleen,

We are thrilled to inform you that your artwork Rights - Balanced & Unbalanced has been selected for Speak Up III. Cameron Sumner thoughtfully reviewed your submissions and was deeply impressed by your creative expression and its powerful message.

This exhibition will provide a vital platform for artists to engage with important social and personal issues and share their perspectives with a broader audience. We are excited to have your voice as part of this conversation.

Warm regards,

Claudia 

Note: Rights - Balanced and Unbalanced are in this exhibition.

Wabi-Sabi

Sowa Art District in Boston - December

   The theme of this exhibition is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi — a perspective centered on the acceptance of imperfection, uniqueness, and transience. It encourages us to appreciate the simple, rustic, and unassuming, challenging the traditional Western ideals of perfection and grandeur. This show will create a space for reflection, where the overlooked details of life are celebrated, and the beauty of imperfection is embraced.

Note: Nursery - Hey Diddle, Nature - Stone, and Nursery - Black Sheep will be in this exhibition.

Zimmerman Fine Art Studio