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Beth Kerschen |
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Handcrafted Urban Landscapes – Beth Kerschen uses a unique blend of techniques using photo-illustration and printmaking to make urban landscapes that celebrate the great creativity, personality and culture that evolves in urban centers.
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Multi and Single Plate Photographic Etchings
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ShopPortland, Oregon Bridge Postcard Series - Set of 6 Cards - 15.00 (USD)Postcards of the Icons of Portland, OR - Set of 6 Cards - 15.00 (USD)12.5"x19" Portland to Mt Hood Art Print - 35.00 (USD)12.5"x19" Portlandmark Art Print of Portland, Oregon - 35.00 (USD)8.5"x11" Portlandmark Art Print of Portland, Oregon - 18.00 (USD)8.5"x11" Navigating Portland Art Print of Portland, OR - 18.00 (USD)8.5"x11" Burnside and Beyond Art Print of Portland, OR - 18.00 (USD)Marquees of Portland Note Card - 5.00 (USD)Portland Icon Artisan Bookmark - 3.00 (USD)Portland Theater Marquees Artisan Bookmark - 2.00 (USD)In the Heart of Portland Notecard - 4.00 (USD)
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about
About My Artwork
In my work, I blend architecture, urban details, and fleeting moments to tell a richly layered story not possible individually. I have always been fascinated with buildings during my travels abroad along with the historic skyline of my longtime home in Boston. More recently, I have noticed the details around us in the city: restored retro signage, the oddly painted door, and the outdoor cafe made from an old bus. I see this all as expressions of human creativity, the essence of what I am trying to capture in my work. With my etchings, I use the a photopolymer intaglio technique to translate photographic elements into printed form and then combine several plates into a single scene. For the cards, the every detail of the scene is simplified to lineart and printed on a Vandercook letterpress. The composite scenes build a narrative that represents how I experience the world in an attempt to create a feeling of nostalgia, permanence and personality.
Here is a interview of me produced by Kathryn Boyd-Batstone and Tommy Pittenger. The focus is about my process becoming an artist with some nice insight of how I work. View now >>
Process
To start, I make 3-4 trips through the area I want to capture. I take many photos and walk with a heightened awareness; staying open to all that is around me. I walk up and down all of the key streets to thoroughly take in the area and capture what seems to be unique to the area. Once in my studio, I start the long process of editing the photos. I hone into the images of buildings, people, signage, etc, that best represent what I want to express. I finally select a set of images and isolate them from the background so they are stand-alone objects that can be placed anywhere in a scene.
Next, the most time consuming part, I slowly compose a scene. I try many different iterations; seeing which objects fit best together visually. I focus on scale, depth, and what should stand out. This is one of the most exciting steps for me; I feel like I am solving a complex puzzle. I know I am close to done when everything seems to start falling into place.
Etching Process
Once I am happy with the scene, I break up the scene into different plates and print out each section onto transparency film. I am now ready to make plates. I place the transparency film on a photo-sensitive etching plate (in my case a Solarplate) and shine U.V. light through it. Then the plate is placed in water. This etches the light exposed areas and leaves grooves that match the image I want to print.
To print the image on paper, I rub ink into the plate and thoroughly wipe off the excess. I lay damp paper onto the plate and roll both together, under pressure, through an etching press. Most of my scenes contain at least 5 different plates and so I use a registration sheet to keep the composition together. I lie the registration sheet down on the press and build the complete scene a couple plates at a time. I place the background elements first (send them through the press) and then the foreground images. A final piece can take up to four passes through the press.
Bio
Beth Kerschen is a multi-disciplinary artist using photography and printmaking to express a unique vision. She graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Colorado College with a focus on photography, photo illustration, and printmaking. After college, she moved to Boston and worked for Polaroid; expanding her extensive photographic and digital imaging knowledge. She worked for 10 years as a graphic designer with several creative firms in Boston; eventually moving to Portland, Oregon in 2008. The move to Portland was part of a career shift back to photography, photo illustration, and printmaking. She uses a unique blend of photography and printmaking to create her images.
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locations
Etching Prints:
Guardino Gallery - 2939 NE Alberta, Portland, Oregon 97211
Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery - 1237 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205
Framing Resource - 1301 SE Stark Street, Portland, Oregon 97214
People's Art Of Portland - Pioneer Square Mall, Downtown 700 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 4005 {3rd Floor} Portland, Oregon 97204
Retail (various selection of Cards, Totes, Bookmarks & Small Prints):
Bridge City Mercantile - 4759 NE Fremont Unit B, Portland, OR 97213
Crafty Wonderland - 808 SW 10th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97201
ecru modern stationer - 1215 NW 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97209Land - 3925 North Mississippi Ave Portland, Oregon 97227
McMenamins Kennedy School Gift Shop - 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave. Portland, OR 97211
People's Art Of Portland - Pioneer Square Mall, Downtown 700 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 4005 {3rd Floor} Portland, Oregon 97204
Powell’s City of Books - 1005 W Burnside, Portland, Oregon 97209
Presents of Mind - 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Tender Loving Empire - 412 SW 10th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205
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Posts
- May 08, 13
I am going to be participating at the Crafty Wonderland Fair and I will have a lot of new product: A full set of Portland Icon postcards, new color pigment prints, more prints mounted on wood panels, and a new postcard series of the Portland Bridges. There is such amazing talent at this fair – come support local artisans! Check out the event details on Facebook >
- Apr 29, 13
I am excited to be exhibiting my work at the utterly stylish boutique, Radish Underground, in downtown PDX for May and June. They have a big plans for this coming First Thursday…their “5th Annual Mini Golf May” event. You can attempt to make a hole-in-one to win 25% off a purchase and enjoy treats from New Deal Distillery and Saint Cupcake (both top notch), while…taking a gander of my prints. Come on down and have some fun! Get info for the 5th Annual Mini Golf May event >
- Feb 14, 13
People’s Gallery is having a huge show with 100+ artists who show their love of Portland in their art. I am happy to be a part of this show. I will also have some smaller prints, panels and my new “In the Heart of Portland” card available there as well. Here is the info:
Joint Gallery Show between Peoples Art of Portland Gallery and Mark Woolley Gallery, neighboring galleries that have pooled their regional artists for this annual 300 artist group show as a tribute to the concept of Love and everything Portland
Show Reception: February 16th, 5-9pm.
Show Runs: February 16th-March 10th.
700 SW Fifth (3rd floor)
Pioneer Square Mall, downtown Portland
open Thurs-Sun 12-6pm
- Feb 05, 13
Oil, Ink and Water: Artistic Interpretations of the Built Environment
I am proud to be showing my work with Shawn Demarest (shawndemarest.com) and Bill Sharp (billsharp.wordpress.com). Each artist has an individual take on Portland. Bill Sharp is an oil painter and watercolor sketch artist who works from observation and in the studio. The show has given him a rare opportunity to show his watercolor sketch books – I cannot properly describe how fabulous they are. Shawn Demarest is an oil painter who focuses on Portland streets. Her realist work makes you feel you have jumped back outside and directly experiencing the streets of Portland – her paintings are amazing. I also will have a rare chance to display my photogravure plates which show my printing process. Come see our unique visions of Portland! Here is the info:
AIA Portland
The Center for Architecture
403 NW 11th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97209
Open Weekdays 9am-5pmOpening: Thursday, February 7th, 2013
5:30pm-8:30pm
- Jan 28, 13
Coming up this Friday and Saturday is the eventful Buckman Art Show & Tell! I will be there showing my work! A portion of the sales goes towards the great thing this school does for young artists. Also, I should have a brand new card available that shows some love for Portland…and maybe for your Valentine. Hope to see you there!
- Dec 12, 12
Okay! This is the last fair I am attending! This one is a nice fair with a little more formal flair. And is a Food Bank donation site. It is at The Leftbank Annex at 101 North Weidler St. and it is from 11am-5pm on December 16th. Here is more info>> The etchings mounted on panels were such a hit, I will bring some more to this event.
Also, I will be setting up a pop-up show at Rejuvenation this coming weekend, so my product will be available there until January 18th, 2013.
- Dec 05, 12
Crafty Wonderland! From 11:00am-6:00pm on the 8th and 9th at the Oregon Convention Center in Hall C. It is a seriously large fair all with amazing local work. If you can’t find a gift here then…you will never find a gift! I will be sporting an exclusive new Crafty Wonderland product – ready to hang, wood mounted photographic etchings – and they are one of a kind. I hope to see you there, I will be at Booth 134! Here is more info>>
- Nov 16, 12
Rejuvenation is a gorgeous store in SE Portland and they are hosting a art fair. Rejuvenation and the participating artists are giving 10% of sales to p:ear, which serves homeless youth in Portland. I will be there with other amazing artists with my prints and cards. Here is some great, quick articles about the event:
Here is the details:
Time: November 17, 10am-5pm
Location: Rejuvenation, 1100 SE Grand Ave., Portland, Oregon 97214
- Nov 14, 12
Yes, the holiday is starting already…
Believe it or not, the events are already coming up…really soon. I thought I would let you know which events I will be participating in for November and December. Also, I will be launching a new notecard, “Marquees of Portland” highlighting some of the most well known signs of Portland. When I first moved to Portland, I immediately noticed all the great retro marquees they have here…I had show them off!
Okay…here is the list of events:
REJUVENATION ARTISAN FAIR (SATURDAY)!
Time: November 17, 10am-5pmLocation: Rejuvenation, 1100 SE Grand Ave., Portland, Oregon 97214
The Deal: First of all, this is a gorgeous store of lighting and home decor, gorgeous. Then a select group of amazing artists will be there selling their handcrafted goods. After seeing the list of artists, I am even more flattered that I was asked to participate. Rejuvinaiton and the artists will be giving 10% of their sales will be donated to p:ear which serves homeless youth in Portland.
25TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE AT PORTLAND CENTER STAGE (SUNDAY)!
Time: November 18, 10am-5pmLocation: Portland Center Stage,128 NW 11 Avenue Portland, Oregon 97209
The Deal: The free event will include live entertainment, warm beverages and desserts, a craft market, and a photo booth featuring real costumes used on stage at PCS! How cool! And some more amazing craft work by many talented artsians.
OHSU Heart Research Center 2012 Holiday Bazaar!
Time: Wednesday, November 28,10am-5:30pm (the entire event is the 27th-29th)Location: Center for Health & Healing at OHSU’s South Waterfront District, 3303 SW Bond Ave., Portland, OR 97239
The Deal: In its fifth year, this event takes place at the beautiful OHSU Center for Health & Healing Atrium in the South Waterfront District. The three-day event rotates artisans from each day, offering shoppers unique items throughout. 10% of proceeds will go to the Heart Research Center
CRAFTY WONDERLAND SUPER COLOSSAL HOLIDAY SALE
Time: SATURDAY + SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 & 9 from 11am – 6pm
Location: Oregon Convention Center – HALL C 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd in Portland
The Deal: Over 250 artists and crafters selling amazing handmade goods! What might you find at this mega wonderland??? ART, ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY, BODY CARE, HOME GOODS, PAPER GOODS + PRINTS, TERRARIUMS, SWEETS, DISTILLED SPIRITS, PLUSH, KIDS STUFF…AND MORE!. Follow all the updates on the event page on Facebook!Formal Holiday Artisans Fair 2012!
Time: Sunday, December 16, 2012
Location: Leftbank Annex, 101 North Weidler Street, Portland, OR 97209
The Deal: An elegant holiday shopping experience with local handcrafted wares in a stunning ballroom! Over 90 local artisans! Live classical music, gift wrapping table and more!
- Oct 19, 12
First Interview for Portland Open Studios
Last Saturday, after a day of demonstrating my work for Portland Open Studios, two journalism students, Kathryn Boyd-Batsone and Tommy Pittenger, from the University of Oregon came to my studio and filmed me working on my artwork and conducted an interview. The interview will be used by Portland Open Studios and *might* go up onto OregonLive (The Oregonian’s website). I think as college students trying to figure out how to best navgiate the world, they were interested in my story and how I got an art degree, got side tracked doing graphic design (no regrets though), and came back to doing artwork which is my real passion. So, that is the focus of the interview. I am so impressed with the quality of work done in a very short time frame utilizing one crappy light we have at the studio with a nice effect (I don’t normally work under such dramatic lighting!). So, enjoy the video: vimeo.com/51556441Event Reminders…
PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
REMINDER FOR THE LAST WEEKEND (TOMORROW)!
Time: October 20, 21, 10am-5pm
Location: Bite Studio, 2000 SE 7th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97214I’m participating in Portland Open Studios 2012 and showing my process at Bite Studio (where I print my larger work) along with the amazing Tara Murino-Brault.
While you don’t need a tour guide to see me and my work, there are over 100 other artists around the Portland Metro area participating. This is a great opportunity to see the private spaces where artists work, view demonstrations, and learn more about the creative process – from the inside! To discover other artists’ studios in your neighborhood and experience the full range of artists at work, pick up a Tour Guide. The $15 Tour Guide is a ticket for two adults (children under 18 are free) and includes images of the artists’ work, a fold-out map, and a 2013 datebook. On a budget? We’ve also got a $5 Map Only ticket, also good for two adults, all four days.
Tour Guides can be purchased from me directly (we will have some at Bite Studio), online at http://www.portlandopenstudios.com, or are available at all New Seasons, and Muse, Collage, I’ve Been Framed, and Columbia Art. To find your closest retail location, see http://www.portlandopenstudios.com/tourguide/tour-guide-retailers/ If you would rather navigate the tour from your smart phone, then the Portland Open Studios iPhone app is your best ticket option. The app includes studio navigation via Google Map, the ability to add notes for future reference and search artist by name or media. Go to the app store to get yours for only $9.99.
OPENING TONIGHT!
Portland Art Museum Rental and Sales Gallery: Two more pieces of my work were accepted into the gallery and will be up at the Fall Show.
Opening: Friday October 19, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Oct.
Location: 1237 SW 10th Ave., Portland, ORBeaverton Arts Commission’s 30th Annual Visual Arts Showcase: Okay, technically this one is in November, but it is an October deadline for me and it is coming soon!
Opening: Saturday, November 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Exhibition Dates: November 3 – November 11, 2012
Location: Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Ave., Beaverton, OR
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Tweets
- RT @corrinrenee: Dear all websites ever. My day phone is my evening phone is my home phone is my cell phone. Sincerely, 2013
- RT @JimGaffigan: Can’t wait to find out what I will feel uncomfortable about tomorrow!
- RT @RadishPDX: Incredible #local artwork by @beth_kerschen featuring #pdx in all it's glory! #art #photography #portland http://t.co/kvE1U0…May 22, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- RT @JimGaffigan: This being awake stuff is harder than it looks.
- My new Portland Bridge postcards R out in PDX! Delivered to Powell's, Land & Presents of Mind. Available @ Etsy Shop:https://t.co/B7fBtrxO5uMay 17, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Why We All MUST Fight Adobe And Stop The Creative Cloud!!! http://t.co/RYt3TEimun via @wordpressdotcom
- Adobe Systems Incorporated: Eliminate the mandatory "creative cloud" subscription model. https://t.co/MU8Lc2pDXC via @change
- ask DOJ to investigate Adobe Systems, Inc. recent announcement to change its software license to subscription-only. http://t.co/2ryOcoEtnI
- Print mounted panels ready for the mega big, colossal Crafty Wonderland Fair tomorrow at the Portland… http://t.co/ShXP6W96kK
- I so want this giant map of Portland from 1908! @ Rejuvenation http://t.co/QGHb28HVeK
- Selling at the big, colossal, awesome Crafty Wonderland fair this Saturday! @crafty_wonder http://t.co/EfR1khGGhPMay 08, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @ABAOProductions Ahh - I hear you. In that case, I could see the subscription is better.
- @Adobe you priced out this small business with your new @creativecloud payment model.May 07, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @ABAOProductions Why were you buying the full version every year? I spent $600 every 2 years buying the upgrade price.
- RT @strobist: No offense, @Adobe, but this feels like the biggest money grab in the history of software: http://t.co/M7pZwExsfe (Okay, *som…
- I am quite ticklish, so I like this notion. http://t.co/7967oV3NUA
- @RadishPDX @saintcupcakepdx @newdealpdx such a great time with fun peeps, & tasty eats & drinks! And my hole in one! #Toosurprisednottobrag
- The Sign for "PDX"!! “@RadishPDX: PDX represent! #pdx #radishpdx @tenderlovingemp http://t.co/264QdnfubM”
- Goodtimes...Hanging with my art @RadishPDX http://t.co/l9abnSkc5e
- @bvanderveen oh my, I cannot agree more!
