"The Self Underwater" Lithograph, dye, Chine-collé  22"x30" print by Allison Walker, a BFA printmaking student at Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Art. 

"The Self Underwater" uses a Chine-collé, a special technique in printmaking.  In this technique, the image is transferred to a surface that is bonded to a heavier support in the printing process. One purpose is to allow the printmaker to print on a much more delicate surface, such as Japanese paper or linen, which pulls finer details off the plate.

What do you see in this print?  Do you at first notice the birch trees in the background?  Or do you focus on the owl-masked maiden or Native American?  A cat in a woman's lap? This print is intriguing from many aspects.  If you are the lucky bidder you can intrigue yourself and friends with its many symbolic messages.

According to USA Today, Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Art is ranked among the best fine arts schools.  Its namesake, Gwen Frostic, was a famous artist and alumna who became Western Michigan University's most generous benefactor. Frostic was widely known since the 1950s for her block print art. She died in her longtime home in Benzonia, Michigan, where she operated Presscraft Papers, Gwen Frostic Prints of Benzonia, a Michigan landmark.

Additional information about the Artist: Allison is also an intern at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, a nonprofit organization created as a community workshop and educational center dedicated to furthering the arts of book design and printing, fine printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding, and creative writing. She spent this past summer in Italy, studying the history of printmaking and bookbinding. Allison has won many awards in student shows for her works and has exhibited nationally and internationally.   To view more of Allison's works go to:  http://glitchpress.com/