“Fire Down on the Labrador”

Went to see the retrospective of David Blackwood’s work at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria this past weekend: Black Ice: Prints from Newfoundland.  It was amazing to see so many of his prints in real life after following his work for so long.  The show had about 75 pieces from the 250 works that the AGO has in their collection.  I loved seeing a series of 11 drawings and prints that show some of the development of his most famous print “Fire Down on the Labrador”, as well as the actual copper etching plate.  David Blackwood was in attendance and gave an artist talk, highlighting some of the history and process behind his work, it was fascinating to see some of the historical photographs that have inspired him.  I loved hearing him say he figures you have to be “abnormal” to do etching as it is so incredibly demanding, this is true of many art forms and artists!  I also loved that after poring over his work for the afternoon, my friends and I had so much to discuss, and especially that we saw the beach, the water, the stones in etching textures for the rest of the afternoon…