Barbara Franklet

Medium: These are hand-pulled limited edition collagraphs. Collagraphs are collages that one is able to pull through a flatbed press. The prints are individually pulled and then hand-colored one at a time.

Method of Production: I do all facets of the creative process. I begin by sketching in image. Once sketched, I turn my image into a collage. I cut, paste and glue a variety of materials onto cardboard. The finished collage is then primed and ready for press. Each plate is inked using intaglio method. Sometimes I go over with a relief roll. Once printed each piece is hand-colored with watercolor and prism color pencils.

Materials: Plates are constructed using variety of textures – wallpapers, textiles, appliques occasionally even real flowers and leaves are incorporated. I use BFK rag paper and artist quality watercolors.

Educational Statement: I have a BA in journalism and have worked in many fields including advertising and teaching. I began my art career in 1999. I’m a self-taught artist schooled by studying the artist I love. I am influenced by both the traditions of folk art and fine illustration.

Inspiration: My collagrpahs are a projection of my world. Many images are of the wonderful people who surround me – my sister Sue, husband Duane, father Gerhard, and neighbor John, the guy at the comer liquor store, numerous friends and finally the characters that live in my imagination. Most pictures have stories to go along with them. All are small celebrations of life.

Awards:

Featured Artist – Woodlands Waterway Art Festival – Spring 2007

Best of Drawing and Graphics – 2006 Austin Fine Art Festival

Best of Printmaking – Bayou City Art Festival 2000, 2004

Honorable Mention – Fiesta Art Festival (San Antonio) 2002

Collections:

Herman Hospital – Houston, TX

Dallas Children’s Hospital – Dallas, TX

Dell Greater Texas Children’s Hospital – Austin, TX

Fort Worth Library