photo credit: Riedl / Heinemann
ARTIST – RESEARCHER – PROFESSOR – CURATOR – PUBLISHER
Email Enquiries artwellstudio36@gmail.com
Internationally recognized art practice:
https://nontoxic-print.com | https://saferpainting.com
Internationally recognized research in the field of safe and innovative art practices; an international sci-art collaboration, 1993 – 2025
Drawing Research and Curation: – art during a pandemic
Author of Intaglio Manual 1994-2025
Co-Author of ‘The Contemporary Printmaker‘, K Howard, NY 2003
Many articles, science collaborations, and publications
KeyCompetencies
Owner – Artlab Projects, Indianapolis
Lecturer in A+D, Rueff School of Art, Purdue University, Lafayette, 2026
Associate Professor A+D, Columbia College Chicago (emeritus)
Senior Lecturer – Head of Printmaking, University of Chester, UK (2001-2006)
- Royal College of Art Degree, London 1993
- International Art Practice in Painting, Installation and Hybrid Art
- International Printmaking Professional / Innovator
- Contemporary Drawing Research and Program Development
- Printmaking Innovation and Digital Art
- Co-Author ‘The Contemporary Printmaker’, 2003
- Inventor ‘The Edinburgh Etch’, 1995, and ongoing scientific developments
- Interdisciplinary and Hybrid Art and Printmaking
- Academic Management
- Curriculum & Innovative Program Development in the UK and US
- Integrating Teaching with Research
- Academic Service, Accreditation & Research Center Development (UChester)
- Printmaking, Art, and Digital Facility Development at UK and US colleges
- 30 years of International Exhibitions, Projects, and Public Art
- Exhibition Curation & Contextual Writings
- Inventions, Publications (print and online), Science Collaborations
- International Presentations and Consultancy
- Digital Imaging and Digital Printmaking, Photography
- Private and Public Art Galleries, Museums, Collections, Art Fairs
- Two graduate Research Degrees in Printmaking
- Major Printmaking Publications, internationally recognized
- Fundraising and Sponsorship Experience
- Creation of Drawing and Fine Art Minor, 2017
Academic and Research Posts, and Full-Time Teaching Positions
- Associate Professor, Fine Art, Printmaking/Painting/Drawing/Digital/Hybrid Art (tenured/emeritus due to area closure)
- Columbia College, Chicago, IL, USA
- August 2006 – June 2025
- Created and led a new printmaking area and program
- Managed printmaking facility, faculty, and staff (2006 – 2013)
- Co-led the creation of a new Department of Art and Art History (2012 – 2015), formerly Department of Art and Design
- Initiated and designed a new minor in Contemporary Art and Drawing (2015 – 2025)
- Senior Lecturer, Fine Art, Digital Art
- Head of Printmaking
- University of Chester, UK
- 2001 – 2006
- Co-led the establishment of a new MFA in studio art, a collaboration with TATE Liverpool Gallery
CURATORIAL PROJECTS
regular project management as a curator for gallery exhibitions (A+D Gallery, Chicago), thesis exhibitions, online exhibitions, and critical writing and discourse
On Big Drawings 2015-2025 | MultiXply 2009 | Colorlab 2023 | Homage to the Square 2025 | Essays on Printed Art 2011 | Artwell Studio Online Galleries 2010-2025
Public Presentations and Visiting Lectureships, 1993 – Present
Selection: Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art, 2018, | RIT | University of Maine | University of Kentucky | Slade School of Art | Leeds | Metropolitan University | Sheffield Hallam University | Wimbledon School of Art | Edinburgh College of Art |
College Art Association (CAA) | Southern Graphics Council International (SGCI): panel speaker, panel organizer,
conference organizer | external MFA advisor (RIT)
• Lead Researcher, Nontoxic Printmaking, innovative process developments 1994 – 1999 Edinburgh Etch
(FK 1997),Acrylic Resist Etching Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop and Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Professional Practice: Printmaking Consultant, Lecturer, and International 2000 – 2005 Summer School
Coordinator, Gracefield Arts Center, Dumfries, Scotland, Established new printmaking facility and initiated a
popular professional development program, co-taught with Prof. Keith Howard, RIT, NY.
Secured European funding (ERDF fund).
Education
• MPhil RCA, Research Degree in Printmaking, 1993 Thesis Title: “Reality, Illusion and the Matrix Principle”
Royal College of Art, London, England
–thefirstgraduateresearchdegreeinPrintmakingawardedbytheRCAin1993
• Dipl. Des.VK,Visual Communications,Art and Design , (nine-year program) 1990 Specialization in
Printmaking;Thesis Title: “Das Prinzip Reihung” (‘The Series Principle / Etching as Installation’)
Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach, Germany ( MFA level degree )
(school known for the invention of Lithography)
Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking 1986 – 1987 Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, Scotland
Select International Exhibitions and Projects / Creative Practice
Catalogue(CAT)
2025
- Abstraktion, Art Main Taunus, Hofheim
2024
- Solo Show ‘Overpaintings’, Gallery Arte Giani, Frankfurt
- ‘Yun’, Installation, Sanford Gallery, Zea Mays Studios, MA, 2024
2023
- Solo Show ‘Overpaintings | Madison’, Springer Art Center, Champaign, IL
- Labyrinth, Gallery Omnibus, Dresden, Germany, 2023
- Tieton 10, Tieton Arts Warehouse, WA
- Mapping Printmaking, Duoro Biennial
- AD 2023, Hokin Gallery, Chicago
2020/21:
- ‘Crystal Bonnard’ – acquisition of a large body of work, Douro Museum, Portugal
- Creation of online Gallery: OnBigDrawings.com – art at times of rapid change
2019:
- Loop Orange / Green Dream, Yuwaku Sousaku no Mori Art Center, Kanazawa, Japan
- Crystal Yellow – large scale installation, ‘Techno Meme 2019’, Columbus Art Center, OH
2018:
- Wall Drawings: Cerulean – Tourbillon – Treccia; Arte Giani, Frankfurt, (OMS)
- Frankfurt Art Pillar, ‘Crystal’, Public Art Project, Frankfurt, Germany
- Loop Orange, 9th International Biennial, Moreira Center, Braganca, Portugal
- Installation Friction (yellow), Kloster Irsee, Germany
2017:
• Digital Wall Drawing ‘Sindan’, 3rd Global Print 2017 Biennial, Douro, Portugal
• Micro/Macro, Sulfur Studios, Savannah
• ‘Tourbillon – Stony Island’, Digital Banner Installation,Terrain – Chicago Year of Public Art
2016:
• ‘Loop-Blue’, corporate commission, Motion PR, Chicago
‘Electron Salon’, Installation ‘Quantum Ice LA’, Los Angeles Center for Digital Art
‘Abstract Mind’, CICA Museum, Korea
‘In-Line’, Sulfur Studios, Savannah
‘Abstraction’, Evelyn E. Jorgensen Gallery, MO
‘Quantum-Square’, CIRCA, Nest Art Factory, CT,catalogue
2015:
• ‘Madison’, Set of Prints/Drawings,Tieton 10X,Tieton Arts Center,WS,CAT
• ‘Quantum Ice – Ohio’, Vinyl Print Installation, Pearl Conard Gallery, OSU, Mansfield, Ohio as part of
‘Interventions’, curated by the Fuse Factory, Columbus, OH
2014:
• ‘On Form’, Paintings‘In Volo’ and ‘Loop’ Drawing Projects, GalleryArte Giani, Frankfurt
• ‘Unmonumental’, Public Arts Project, Columbia, MO,CAT
2013:
• Curation of ‘On Big Drawings’ | extensive studio work:‘In Volo/Flow’ Painting Cycle
2012:
• ‘Friction – Intaglio’, Print Installation,‘Process and Purpose’, Contemporary Printmaking, Olive
Branch, Ithaca, NY,CAT
• ‘Retrospect’, Selected Works from GalleryArtists,Arte Giani Gallery, Frankfurt
• Art Fairs, Arte Giani, Frankfurt and Zurich, Frankfurt
2011:
• ‘Quantum Ice’,Arte Giani Gallery, and Frankfurt Zurich Art Fair,OMS
2010:
‘Tumble’, Gallery Guillaume Daeppen, Basel,OMS,CAT
‘Loop’, Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago,OMS,CAT
‘D’Offay Miniatures’, Murphy Hill Gallery, Chicago
‘Von Anfang An’,Arte Giani Gallery , Frankfurt
2008-2013:
• ‘Two Pillars’, public art installation Commissioned by Chicago CTA and Columbia College, installed
August 2008
2008:
• ‘Flower Cast’, Human Nature Exhibition,A+D Gallery, Columbia College Chicago,CAT
• Curator of ‘Multiply’,Alyson Shotz, Robert Krawczick, Jesse Seay,A+D Gallery, Chicago,CAT
• Cascade-Shatter-Flow’, Caro DOffay Gallery, Chicago,OMS
2007:
• ‘Deva-Veda’, Digital Print Installation, Castle Park Arts Center, Frodsham, UK,
• Co-curator with Jennifer Kiekeben of ‘Multiply’ (UK) printed works by Columbia College students,
Castle Park Arts Centre, UK, January – February 2007
• Work in Process,A+D Gallery, Chicago,CAT
• ‘Friction’ installation for Eye Tricks,Walsh Gallery, South Orange, NJ
2006:
• ‘Cascade’, installation, OMS at Ahlbergshallen Museum, S stersund,CAT
• Publication of ‘Cascade, New Work’, Friedhard Kiekeben; Catalogue with introductory essay by
Sabina Ott,CAT
• Flow installation for International Invitational, Christel DeHaan Arts Center, University of
Indianapolis
• Curator:Two Halves, Exchange Exhibition, RIT, NY / UChester / Frodsham Arts Center
2005:
• ‘Transit’, Retrospective Exhibition 1990-2006 OMS, Dean Clough Galleries, Halifax UK
• ‘Deva’, digital installation with additional prints,OMS at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester UK
2004:
• Representation at Art Frankfurt by Gallery Giani
• Contributor in International Mini Print Exhibition TS,CAT
2003:
• ‘Beyond Steps’, installation for the Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Preston UK
• ‘Shatter’, OME, Gallery Arte Giani, Frankfurt
2001- 02:
‘Aphelion’,Art.tm, Inverness
Represented at Glasgow Art Fair by Art.tm
Howard Gardens Gallery TS, Cardiff
Represented at Art Frankfurt,Arte Giani,CAT
Wrexham City Art Centre
‘Tinflowers’, installation,OMS, Gallery Giani, Frankfurt
Friction installation and TS, Bevier Gallery, Rochester, NY,CAT
‘In-Print’, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull UK,CAT
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
2000:
• ‘Field of Vision’, installation,OMS, Kunsthaus Wiesbaden
• ‘NewAttitudes’, Gallery Daeppen,Art Frankfurt,CAT
1999:
‘Cluster’, installation OMS, Gallery Guillaume Daeppen, Basel
‘Cluster’, installation, Kunst Zrich,CAT
‘NewAttitudes’, Gallery Daeppen,Art Frankfurt,CAT
University of Illinois
1998:
• ‘Bilder sind staerker als Worte’, installation, Gallery Daeppen, Basel
• ‘CrystalYellow’, installation,OMS,Art Frankfurt Installation for Gallery Daeppen,Art Zurich,CAT
• ‘Crystal Black’, installation,OMS, Citizens Studios, Edinburgh
1997:
‘Crystal-Red’, installation,OMS, Kunstverein Friedberg,CAT
Publication of Crystal catalogue with essay by Johannes Kogler,CAT
Installation, Objekte, Graphik,Arte Giani, Frankfurt,CAT
Art Frankfurt,Arte Giani,CAT
Art Cologne, Gallery Guillaume Daeppen,CAT
AWARD: First Media Art Prize, Deutsche Telekom
1993-96:
• ‘In Print’, Castle Museum, Nottingham,CAT
• ‘In Print’,Walsall Museum and Art Gallery,CAT
• ‘ArCade’ – Digital Art TS, University of Brighton,CAT
• ‘La folie du voir’, installation, Gallery Daeppen, Basel
• ‘Friction’, installation,Art Cologne, Gallery Daeppen,CAT
• ‘Transit’, installationOMS, Gallery Daeppen, Basel
• Publication of Friedhard Kiekeben – ‘Selected Works’ with essay by C. Esche (Van Abbemuseum),
CAT
• ‘Artists’ Impressions’, Kettle’sYard, Cambridge,CAT
• Depot – PublicWarehouse,Art Cologne,CAT
• Durhammer Gallery, Frankfurt
• Installation for ‘American and European Works on Paper’, Gallery 86,Trier,CAT
• Transit installation, Royal College of Art, London,CAT
• AWARD:‘OSARCA Prize 1993’, Royal College of Art, London
1991-92:
‘Fusion Projects’, Royal College of Art, London
‘Square Progression’, InstallationOMS, Gallery 86,Trier
Art Book,‘Hebbel – diaries’, Edition Tiessen
‘Matrix’, installationOMS, Gallery Daeppen, Basel
AWARD: Mathews Wrightson Trust Award, RCA, London
Domacinovic, Uliczka, Kiekeben installation, Kunstverein Offenbach,CAT
‘Square Progression’, installationOMS, Gallery Daeppen, Basel
‘Square 33’, installation,OMS, Maclaurin Gallery,Ayr
AWARD:Artist Award Johannes Mosbach Stiftung, OF
1990:
• ‘Square 33’, installation, Hochschule fr Gestaltung, OF
• ‘Kunststudenten stellen aus’, Kunsthalle, Bonn,CAT
• ‘Sequence 52’, installationOMS, Galerie im Kreishaus, Hofheim
Select Articles about the Artist’s Work
Digital & Photographic
Proficient in a wide variety of digital applications, vector and bitmap / Pioneering research into digital installation, printing, and printmaking since 1991 / proficient in a broad range of digital photography applications, including studio photography; recent research involves the use of tablet computers and iPads as an art making and teaching tool.
Program and Facilities Development
Since 1996 I advised on, and led the creation of digital imaging facilities (Mac/PC/bitmap/vector – large format printing) for a number of organisations in aid of curriculum development:
- Leeds Metropolitan University, 1997, | – Gracefield Arts Center, 2000, | and I also designed and staffed several digital imaging and printing labs specifically for digital printmaking needs: – University of Chester, 2001, | – Columbia College Chicago, 2006-2015
I have extensive, long-term experience in the professional development of traditional and innovative printmaking facilities in aid of curriculum development, and I also publish extensively on this subject:
- Hochschule Fuer Gestaltung, Offenbach, 1987, (intaglio), | – Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop, 1994-1999, (all printmaking media), | – Gracefield Arts Center, Dumfries, (intaglio, photo-intaglio, silkscreen, relief), | – University of Maine (intaglio, photo intaglio), 1997-99, | – Columbia College Chicago, 2006 – 2011 (all printmaking media)
- From 2012-2014 I aided the design of purpose-built painting, drawing, design, and digital imaging facilities in the main art building at Columbia College Chicago
Printmaking Process Developments, Inventions, and Advancements
widely practiced, and published in books, articles, and online resources
- ‘Acrylic Resist Etching’
- ‘Edinburgh Etch’ (1997)
- ‘Saline Sulfate Etch’ (2003)
Student Exhibtions and Awards:
- I frequently curate student exhibitions, the BFA thesis show, and the Pougialis Fine Art Award
Printmaking Program Development
I have been developing professional educational printmaking programs for printmaking studios and art schools since 1995. Examples: Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop 1994-1999, | Sheffield Hallam University and Leeds Metropolitan University (mid to late 1990s), | Gracefield Arts Center, Dumfries | etc.
I have held tenured academic leadership positions in Printmaking, and developed new printmaking programs at the University of Chester, 2001-2006 | and at Columbia College Chicago, 2006 – today. (Overseas hire in 2006 as Professor of Printmaking). This entailed program development on all levels from Foundations through BA/BFA to MA/MFA programs and research projects and programs.
I introduced additional new methods and equipment for silkscreen printing, polyester plate lithography, and photo-polymer intaglio printmaking and large scale digital printing and scanning facilities.
Hiring of part-time faculty and technical printmaking studio staff.
Selection of Printmaking classes and programs I developed at Columbia College:
- Contemporary Issues in Printmaking / Sophomore level and introductory classes
- Printmaking Strategies / Junior and Senior capstone classes
- Special Topics in Printmaking / focusing on innovative themes and techniques
- Independent study in printmaking / BFA – MFA levels
- Printmaking as a Hybrid Art Medium
- Workshops in Printmaking Technique / workshops across all traditional and innovative
printmaking techniques
Professional Memberships
Southern Graphics Council International
College Arts Association
Research: Select Publications / Books / Articles / Websites
Articles in Printmaking Today:
- 2011 ‘On Vinyl’
- 2004 ‘Perfect Chemistry’
- 1997 ‘A new breakthrough in etching: The Edinburgh Etch’
- 1998 ‘Non-toxic Printmaking in Scandinavia’
- 2002 ‘A painterly aesthetic in Printmaking: Keith Howard’ (catalogue essay)
2003-2025 NontoxicPrint.com
Establishment of international online resource:
- Lead author and editor / online publisher
Nontoxic Printmaking, Safe Painting & Printed Art |
An academic Research Resource on Nontoxic Printmaking | Essays on Printed Art | Safer Painting | Art and Health | Graphic Innovation | Non-Hazardous Practice, Methods and Materials | Solvents and VOCs | Health and Safety in the visual Arts and Crafts
The peer-reviewed site contains several hundred articles and essays as well as compendiums and online printmaking manuals. The site is a nonprofit collaboration with dozens of international authors in printmaking and art safety research and we have reprint agreements with organizations such as the New York Times and the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.
2015 NontoxicHub.com
Establishment of a new international online resource:
- Lead editor / online publisher
- A collaboration with The Health in The Arts Center,Dr. David Hinkamp, University of IL Chicago
2014 Curator and Organizer of ‘On Big Drawings’, a survey of contemporary Drawing,
10 artists from Chicago, the USA, and the UK,
A+D Levinton Gallery, Oct-Nov 2014, 42 page color catalogue
A project co-funded by the Chicago Grahame Foundation for the Arts
2014 Exhibition Catalogue ‘On Big Drawings’
‘Lines and Concepts’, New York Times Chicago Life Magazine
2013 ‘The Edinburgh Etch’, Jewelry Today magazine
2007-08 Intaglio: Acrylic-Resist Etching, Collagraphy, Engraving, Drypoint, Mezzotint; Robert Adam and Carol Robertson, Thames and Hudson, London,
2007 Curator of exhibition ‘MultiXply’ at the A+D Levinton Gallery, with Alyson Shotz, NY
text: Annika Marie
2006 Article in Grafisk Nuhet (with Ewa Carlsson); Swedish magazine for graphic arts
2004 ‘Advanced Applied Science’, – ‘Finding out about substances Volume 1’;
F Kiekeben’s Etching Innovations referenced; produced by 4Science (www.4science.org.uk); publisher Ken Gadd Associates Limited,
This text has been made part of the UK science education curriculum for Chemistry
‘El grabado no toxico: nuevos procedimentos y materiales’
Eva Figueras, University of Barcelona Press,
FK’s etching innovations published in major Spanish text book and DVD
first establishment of web based research resource, University of Chester
2003 ‘The Contemporary Printmaker’, Keith Howard, Write-Cross Press NY
extensive contribution to major book on printmaking innovation;
introduction, acrylic resist and metal salt etching: The Edinburgh Etch and
The Saline Sulfate Etch; safety assessments in collaboration with scientists
‘Handbook of Non-toxic Intaglio’, Henrik Boegh, Forlaget Boegh, Copenhagen
contribution to new edition of a handbook on printmaking innovation
1999 Digital Printmaking,book contribution
Paul Coldwell & George Whale / London, A&C Black publishers
1998 ‘Handbok I Non-toxic Dybtryk’, Henrik Boegh, Forlaget Boegh, Copenhagen
contribution to Danish book on printmaking innovation
‘Non-toxic Intaglio Printmaking’, Keith Howard
extensive contribution to major book on printmaking innovation;
acrylic resist and metal salt etching: The Edinburgh Etch
1994 – 98 Innovative Intaglio Fact Sheets: FK @ Edinburgh Printmakers
2000 – 04 Innovative Intaglio Fact Sheets: FK @ Gracefield Arts Centre &
University of Chester
Keynote Presentations / Esteem / Panels & Conferences / Academic Visits
2015 External Adviser – MFA Project on ‘www.NontoxicPrint.com’
Sotheby-Drucker University, LA
External Examiner (tenure) for a major Western US university
Invited Competition Juror: On Paper Printmaking Contest, Barcelona
2014 Invited Competition Juror: Kitchen Litho, Potiers, France
2013 Visiting Artist, RIT, NY
2011 ‘Nontoxic Printmaking Research’, Lecture and Worskshops, Kilkenny Printmakers, Ireland
Visiting Artist, RIT, NY
2010 Panels Chair and Speaker, CAA Conference, Chicago
‘Nontoxic Printmaking Research’, University of Kentucky
2009 Co-organizer & Panels Organizer, Southern Graphics Conference, Chicago
2006 ‘Innovative Printmaking: 15 Years’, Harke Konstcentrum; Ostersund, Sweden
‘Flow’, University of Indianapolis
‘Flow’, RIT, New York
Organizer / Curator: ‘Two Halves’, Exchange Exhibition, RIT, NY / University of Chester / Frodsham Arts Center
2005 RIT, New York
NW research group Tate Liverpool
2004 Speaker & Organiser: ‘What’s In The Tin’ Research Symposium,
UCC, Chester; founding member CPaRA: Centre for Practice as Research
- Public Lecture: ‘Art and Matrix’, Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT, New York
- Public Lecture: ‘A New Aesthetic for Printmaking’, UCLAN, Preston
- Innovative Intaglio, International Summer School,
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
Project Manager
At the Gracefield Art Centre I founded a major international summer school programme,’ Innovative Intaglio’ which is a collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, and which has been attended by several hundred academics and Printmaking professionals from around the world from 2000-2006.
This annual event served the dissemination of ground breaking developments within Innovative Printmaking.
2004 Keynote Speaker & Organiser: ‘What’s In The Tin’ Research Symposium,
UCC, Chester; founding member CPaRA: Centre for Practice as Research
2003 ‘Non-Toxic Printmaking in Spain’
Keynote Conference Speaker: Etching without acid
University of Barcelona & Granollers Museum
2003 Selector: International Mini Print Exhibition, Gracefield Arts Center, Dumfries
2001 International Conference on Non-Toxic Printmaking, RIT, New York,Speaker
Conference Paper: ‘Non-Toxic Printmaking in Europe’
2001 ‘In-Print’ Conference, Quay Art & Ferens Gallery, Hull, Speaker
‘New Solutions for Printmaking’, Public Lecture and Web Site Text
1999 Edinburgh College of Art, PublicSlide Lecture:
‘Digital explorations and Printed Art’,
1998 ‘Non-toxic Printmaking in Scandinavia’; Copenhagen, Denmark, Speaker.
This symposium / workshop, funded by the Danish government, introduced the acrylic resist etching system developed by myself at EPW to 40 art and printmaking professionals from art colleges and workshops in Scandinavia.
1998 University of Maine, Orono, USA, ‘Simulated Realities’