Energy

Energy, a cyanotype textile piece is a group collaboration inspired by climate change, the consequences of depleting resources and the impact of nuclear energy. The  piece seamlessly combines the alternative photography method  with photograms, negatives, block prints, and hand stitching. The cyanotype technique creates intricate negative images, while block prints add patterns. The  textile piece includes  text, abstract and realistic images  that visually represent the complex and dynamic forms of movement. Hand stitching too is a dynamic, physical process of movement. The stitching  emphasizes the images and adds volume to the  asymmetrical composition.

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Andra Broekelschen, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Carole Gelker, Nguyen Ly, Jared Millar, Bill Myers, Laura Shapiro, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Mary Lawrence Test, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

Memory

The Memory project involved fifteen Lynk Collective artists working together to create a large 5' x 7' cyanotype fabric mural. The project consisted of three phases: material development, cyanotype exposure and additional enhancement. Each artist pondered the theme “memory”, creating relevant materials before coming together for the cyanotype exposure day. They contributed materials as diverse as photo negative collages, textured materials and gathered objects. These featured the artists’ families, important places and evocative images that related to the past and the act of remembering. After a coordinated effort, the resulting mural was passed around for artists to add embroidery and appliqués, elements that enhanced the blue with extra texture and color. Like memory itself, the mural presents images that are concrete and ephemeral, collective and idiosyncratic.

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Andra Broekelschen, Alexandra Chiara, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Vera Polic-Lakhal, Marelyn Larios, Nguyen Ly, Jared Millar, Bill Myers, Marina Polic, Laura Shapiro, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Sue Stoyanoff, Mary Lawrence Test, Paula Voss

The Blue Project

We asked each participant of the Blue project to photograph themselves two ways. Once with their eyes open staring into the camera and once with their eyes closed. They were then invited to cut and glue and rearrange their portraits in hopes of uncovering visual secrets of the self. We then linked the portraits together by printing on top of them focusing on elements we found to have depth. Connections between the prints formed as we spent time with them…listening to the dialogue they had with one another.

Dimensions: (Individual Prints) 4” x 6”

Top of Grid: Left to Right: Yeansoo Aum, Jared Millar, Nguyen Ly, Paula Voss, Middle of Grid, Left to Right: Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Sue Stoyanoff, Karla Frazier Fandel, Bill Jaros, Andra Broekelschen, Bottom of Grid: Left to Right: Marelyn Larios, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Sue Stoyanoff, Jared Millar, Laura Shapiro

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Andra Broekelschen, Alexandra Chiara, Karla Frazier Fandel, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Marelyn Larios, Nguyen Ly, Jared Millar, William Myers, Vera Polic-Lakhal, Francisco Rogido, Laura Shapiro, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Sue Stoyanoff, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

Homage to Sandro Botticelli’s ‘Lucifer’, Divine Comedy

A surviving fifteenth century drawing by Sandro Botticelli—part of his illustration of the poet Dante’s Divine Comedy—served as the jumping off point for a large graphite, ink and charcoal drawing of Lucifer standing at the center of Dante’s hell, furthest from God and in the deepest isolation. Frozen in ice, the three faces of Satan have a pair of wings under each chin which beat to create the cold wind that continues to freeze the surrounding ice that traps him in hell. The drawing became a guide for drypoint imagery, as the artists scratched into three large plexiglass plates. The plates were then used to make large prints that were combined, with additional details added to expand upon Botticelli’s original drawing. This process—and the scale of the resulting prints—the collective into producing work beyond the employed techniques.

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Nguyen Ly, Francisco Rogido, Zana Zupur

Camouflaged

Shapes emerge from patterns like atoms bond into molecules. The human mind works to recognize images out of various fields of vision. This art exercise challenges the artists to weave a design through patterns that can camouflage the image. One artist creates the image while the other creates the pattern.

The intent is to have the viewer perceive the image and the camouflage (pattern) simultaneously melding both into a third and unexpected vision.

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Elisabeth Beck, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Nguyen Ly, Vera Polic-Lakhal, Marelyn Larios, Marina Polic, Sue Stoyanoff, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

Our Time On A Wall Of Red

From prehistoric times, man throughout the world has left impressions of life as markings and images on cave walls and cliff faces. The red wall plays homage to our ancient relatives by creating our contemporary feelings printed on a field of reddish inked paper. The images emerge from the wall as symbols and parts of the human body expressing the fears and hopes of our time.

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Fevzi Balli, Elisabeth Beck, Andra Broekelschen, Alexandra Chiara, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Carole Gelker, Bill Jaros, Vera Polic-Lakhal, Nguyen Ly, Jared Millar, William Myers, Marina Polic, Francisco Rogido, Laura Shapiro, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Sue Stoyanoff, Mary Lawrence Test, Brandon Walls, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

Sky

As we look up into the sky we might feel a wistful longing, think of the future or past, of redemption or get lost in meditation. But what do we see? 

• Air, water,

• clouds, rain,

• wind, snow

• sun, rainbows,

• moon, stars,

• sunrise, sunset,

• planets from far before our time

The many moods of the sphere above us, its forever changing light and texture, challenges a single depiction. 

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Elisabeth Beck, Andra Broekelschen, Alexandra Chiara, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Myers, Mary Lawrence Test, Tracey Loreque Skinner, Paula Voss

Skyscape

From the beginning of time, man has always looked to the sky wondering what those bright lustrous objects might be. From the stars, man has created many myths about the world and the origin of existence. As we explore deeper into the vast space beyond us, we search for our place in the universe. These prints investigate the grid we make of the sky and the fluid motion of the stars; engaging both allows another penetration into understanding the universe and ourselves. 

Artists: Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Nguyen Ly

“The Lynk Collective group has helped us “not become strangers” during this exile from printmaking”. - Bill Myers

Zoom Room: In Conversation, A Portrait Project

Fifteen artists employed a variety of printmaking techniques to participate in a portrait project- a nod to a year of COVID-19 shutdowns and our online connection through Zoom. Artists were randomly assigned a subject and created a portrait of their subject as they would appear on screen in a Zoom Room remote meeting.  An edition of 17 provides artists the opportunity to exchange portraits for a complete album of fellow “Zoombie” printmaking friends; and, one final exhibition piece will provide the virtual background for a Pandemic era memory none of us will soon forget. (Use arrow keys to view full edition.)

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Elisabeth Beck, Ryan Caputo, Jennifer Chen, Alexandra Chiara, Karla Fandel, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Marelyn Larios, Nguyen Ly, Bill Myers, Marina Polic, Tracy Loreque Skinner, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

The Sketchbook Project: Brooklyn Art Library

The Sketchbook Project is the world’s largest library of artists’ books, crowd-sourced from every corner of the globe. The project is changing the way creative people share their work while building a worldwide community resource. We have joined the movement, adding our voice and becoming part of something expansive. Our chosen theme was ‘A Different Perspective’, part of Volume 18. The sketchbook will be available for viewing online at https://brooklynartlibrary.org , and will travel around NYC in the Brooklyn Art Library Bookmobile for viewing, then later be housed permanently in the library’s collection for visitors to enjoy. Brooklyn Art Library asks that all visitors book an appointment before coming, as they cannot guarantee day-of availability.

Schedule a visit: https://brooklynartlibrary.org/appointmentfaqs

View the Book: https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/S7362883

A Different Perspective, Vol. 18: “From Many Places”

2021

5” x 7”

Paper Sketchbook

Artists: Page 1: Yeansoo Aum (Collage), Page 2: Nguyen Ly (Pen/Ink), Page 3 & 4: Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Page 5 & 6: Marina Polic (Graphite Pencil), Page 7: Bill Jaros (Pen/Ink), Page 8: Yeansoo Aum (Colored Pencil, Collage), Page 9 & 10: Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Page 11: Bill Jaros (Colored Pencil, Ink), Page 12: Zana Zupur: Collage, Page 13 & 14: Bill Jaros (Pen/Ink), Page 15 & 16: Alexandra Chiara (Collage), Page 17 & 18: Bill Jaros (Pen/Ink), Page 19: Nguyen Ly (Pen/Ink), Page 20: Zana Zupur (Collage), Page 21 & 22: Paula Voss (Collage), Page 23 & 24: Sue Stoyanoff (Collage, Pen/Ink), Page 25: Nguyen Ly (Pen/Ink), Back Cover: Nguyen Ly (Pen/Ink), Front Cover: Bill Jaros (Pen/Ink)

Tension Book (Hardcover Art Book)

2021

7” x 9”

Hardcover Book

PURCHASE: https://www.amazon.com/Tension-Twenty-Weeks-Lynk-Collective/dp/1098377761/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=tension+twenty+weeks&qid=1626415344&sr=8-2

Overview

The year 2020 brought difficulties both practical (the closure of public spaces due to the Coronavirus Pandemic) and psychological (the loss, rage and uncertainty of the time). Lynk Collective seized the opportunity to design art that both reflected this era and provided solace to those engaged in making it. Conceived as a linked narrative in image and word, the book was created in sequence, with each artist making a piece inspired by the one that came before.  The resulting book is a testament to the spontaneous nature of collaboration, the importance of remaining flexible and the opportunities that come with challenging times.

Description

Tension is the act of stretching something tight. The word may be used to describe inner striving or unrest. It is not a coincidence that this collective of ten printmaking artists have joined together to create a visual representation of ‘Tension’ in 2020, during a year of global pandemic, political division and natural disasters. Inspired by this unique and difficult era, Lynk Collective generated creative ways to continue our collaborations being physically separated. 

Graphic Design: Zana Zupur, Christina Yasmin Fesmire

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Fevzi Balli, Alexandra Chiara, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Bill Jaros, Nguyen Ly, Bill Myers, Sue Stoyanoff, Paula Voss, Zana Zupur

BOOK DETAILS

• Genre: ART

• SubGenre: Art & Politics

• Language: English

• Pages: 44

• Format: Hardcover

• Hardcover ISBN: 9781098377762

• Library of Congress Control Number: 2020446092

The book was made available globally in major retailers (Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Target, etc.) on June 11, 2021.

Exquisite Corpse 1 & 2- “Disarray”, “Corpse Unveiled”

2017, 2021

45” x 22”

Limited Edition of 6

Exquisite Corpse is a collaborative game developed by the Surrealists in the 1920s.  Players create an image or story based on the previous player’s contribution, which they are only given a small glimpse of.  The complete image or story is eventually revealed, often resulting in unique or comical combinations.  The Lynk Collective version of an exquisite corpse was based on two silhouettes partitioned into three sections each.  (Corpse 1 & 2, 2017, 2021) Seven artists were randomly assigned to a section and given artistic freedom to interpret the form in their own way.  Upon completion of the print, the figures were assembled.  Techniques include paper lithography, collagraph and drypoint. One set of images was created in 2017, and the other in 2021. (The “Lynk Collective” Exquisite Corpse 2, “Corpse Unveiled” featured three artists: Bill Jaros, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Nguyen Ly). The head, torso and legs are each created by a different artist and are assembled to make a complete unusual corpse with the separate energies from each of the artists. The head has the aura of a mad scientist, the torso has the love of a beating heart, and the legs have a grounded strength to the earth. These are only a few interpretations that the work can elicit. Each viewer will see their own exquisite corpse.

Artists:  Body 1 and 2-Bottom- Nguyen Ly (Drypoint, Collagraph) Body 1, Head- Christina Yasmin Fesmire (Paper Lithograph), Body 1- Torso- Alexandra Chiara (Collagraph), Body 2 Head— Bill Jaros (Drypoint, Colored Pencils), Body 2- Torso- Christina Yasmin Fesmire (Drypoint, Watercolor), Exquisite Corpse 1, 2017, 45” x 22”- Limited Edition of 6, Exquisite Corpse 2, 2021, 45” x 22”-Limited Edition of 6

Exquisite Corpse 1- “Disarray”

Exquisite Corpse is a collaborative game developed by the Surrealists in the 1920’s.  Players create an image or story based on the previous player’s contribution, which they are only given a small glimpse of.  The complete image or story is eventually revealed, often resulting in unique or comical combinations.  The Lynk Collective version of an exquisite corpse was based on two silhouettes partitioned into three sections each.  Three artists were randomly assigned to a section and given artistic freedom to interpret the form in their own way.  Upon completion of the print, the figures were reassembled.  Techniques include paper lithography, collagraphy and drypoint.  

Exquisite Corpse 1

2017

45” x 22”

Limited Edition of 6

Artists: Head:: Christina Yasmin Fesmire (Paper Lithograph), Torso: Alexandra Chiara (Collagraph), Hip: Nguyen Ly (Drypoint, Coffee)

Ghost Book

Ghost is our largest project thus far, involving 15 artists creating unique prints related to the theme.  Completion requires the use of studio space with a press, so the work of various printers was interrupted by coronavirus pandemic related closures of public art space.  Prints will be finished and all work will be collected into artist’s books. (Use arrow keys to view full edition.)

Ghost

2020

10” x 10”

Limited Edition of 16

Artists: Alexandra Chiara, Yeansoo Aum, Nguyen Ly, Christina Yasmin Fesmire, Zana Zupur, Fevzi Balli, Bill Jaros, Marelyn Larios, Bill Myers, Elisabeth Beck, Francisco Rogido, Marina Polic, Paula Voss, Rosemarie Palacios, Jennifer Chen

Rorschach Book

In 2018, LC embarked on a second artist’s book that was even greater in scope and ambition.  Using Rorschach inkblots as inspiration, nine artists created prints that incorporated the concept of a mirrored image.  The resulting collection is impressive in its originality, unique dimensions, and hand-stitched details.    

Rorschach 

2018

10” x 20”

Limited Edition of 9

Artists: Yeansoo Aum, Fevzi Balli, Elisabeth Beck, Jennifer Chen, Marelyn Larios, Nguyen Ly, Marina Polic, Francisco Rogido, Zana Zupur

Bug Pressed Book

In 2018, seven LC artists working at the Irvine Fine Arts Center printmaking studio created a book entitled Bug Pressed.  Each was responsible for an original print related to the theme of “bugs”.  Finished prints were then revealed and compiled into a limited edition artist’s book.  The work highlights a variety of printmaking techniques including solar plate, intaglio and collagraph.

Bug Pressed

2018

8” x 8”

Limited Edition of 8

Artists: Elisabeth Beck, Alexandra Chiara, Andre Comtois, Bill Jaros, Marelyn Larios, Nguyen Ly, Bill Myers