06/12/2012
Artist in residence Doet Boersma is hosting an exhibition
on June 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Center for New Media in downtown
Kalamazoo. A native of Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, Boersma was KVCC’s artist
in residence last spring. She returned to the college on April 23 and will stay
until June 21.
Boersma is an internationally recognized artist who is
known for her creative and mixed media artwork. She has shown her work in
European museums, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Portugal.
“Normally I would never go to a place a second time, but
I sense that the landscape has so much more to give,” Boersma said. “I can go
further on my themes and go deeper into the themes. I can explore more because
I know what I can expect here and we connect quicker.”
Boersma said she welcomes visitors into her studio. “Here
at the Center for New Media they want to be in contact more with art and an
artist,” she said. “When I’m here during the daytime, my door is open. It’s
really an exchange. I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many nice people.”
Paintings that Boersma created last year can be seen on
both campuses of Kalamazoo Valley, many depicting familiar destinations like
Asylum Lake, South Haven and the Kleinstuck Nature Preserve. While landscapes
have always been a favorite focus, Boersma is now using darker colors and is
exploring themes like orchards and vineyards.
Boersma and Kalamazoo Valley Community College art
instructor Linda Rzoska, who chairs the college’s Art and New Media Department,
are also making prints with a new etching press. The women were inspired by a
trip to Rembrandt’s house in Amsterdam. “We saw how he printed his engravings
and we wanted to do it here, too,” Boersma said. “We’re connecting new media
with a very old craft.” To use the press, Boersma begins by engraving a design
into a thick plastic plate. Ink is then rolled onto the sheet and it’s fed
through the press to transfer the engraved image onto paper.
Boersma has held workshops for faculty and staff.
“They’re immediately attracted to it because they know how to make a nice
design,” she said. “They love to do it.” She said the technique is appealing
because one engraving can be used to print many variations.
Boersma said she’s happy to be back in Michigan and is anxious to share her new
pieces with the public. “My inspiration is Michigan, her landscapes and
people,” she said.
