Helen Tran
Ontario College of Art & Design University
Helen Tran is a recent graduate from the Printmaking & Publication program at OCAD University and is a multidisciplinary artist whose work ranges from analog film photography, traditional as well as photo-based lithography, intaglio, and bookart. Tran's current work incorporates printmaking methodology with an array of mixed media by exploring individual materials that evoke notions of ephemerality and forge these elements through her concept on mourning, memories, and healing within her culture.
Tran is well versed in many printing techniques; including lithography, relief, silkscreen, and intaglio. Nevertheless, she enjoys working with the versatility of lithography medium and bookmaking in her spare time. She currently lives and works in Mississauga, Canada.
Image List:
1. The first image is a lithograph print that I created using a technique called Lo-Shu Wash, which is combined with water & gum arabic wash (Lo Shu wash) and is a negative technique. So on a dark background, in these areas of evaporation of the wash, there will appear characteristic of whites, ripples and delicate veins. These lines are created by the gum arabic.
Title: Weaving Paths
2. The second image is a lithograph print with the same technique (Lo Shu wash) but using a blend roll or rainbow roll, a method using two or more colours.
Title: Where In What Form?
3. The third image is an intaglio etching print of a peony flower, along with chine-colle method. It is a traditional printmaking technique of adhering an image to another sheet of paper, in which creates a frame/border. I was inspired by nature and landscape for this work.
Title: Peony
4. "If Not Here, Then Where?" is a recent series of work of encaustics on the concept of mourning, memories, and healing within my Vietnamese culture.
5. The work presented here is a photo-lithograph print that is printed on Japanese tissue paper to convey timeless, memories and preservation. The work investigates on ancestral history, and holds symbolic reference depicting the chrysanthemum flower as homage to paying respect. Title: Where Are You Now?
