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Ilse Reimnitz NWWS – Artist Statement
My work is primarily in watercolor and monotype printmaking, sometimes a unique combination of the two mediums. My experience as a watercolor painter makes me appreciate the process of monotype for its immediacy and flexibility.
My approach in each of these mediums relies upon the subtle building of texture and imagery through the layering of pigment. In both mediums I begin with soft backgrounds, developing structure, revealing and obscuring shapes. I build layer-by-layer, defining edges set against soft passages to create visual complexity and excitement.
A large part of my life and artwork is inspired by my time spent outdoors. I walk with “ artist eyes” gathering and storing patterns, shapes and colors. My strong bond to nature lets me sense emerging images and feelings within me.
This layered approach has also led me to a deeper view of my creative vision. I want to convey a sense of wholeness and unity in my work. I hope that my imagery crosses cultural divides, might even span time, and unites the human spirit with the natural environment.
My artwork has been exhibited nationally and regionally, including the Fry Art Museum and the Bellevue Art Museum in Seattle. I am a signature Member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and the Women Painters of Washington and over the years received numerous awards. I recently received the “ Excellence in Figurative Art “ Award from the National Association of Women Artists ( NAWA ) in New York City.
Currently I exhibit my work at the Women Painters of Washington Gallery ( WPW ) in the Columbia Center Building in Seattle and in the Gallery “Gather” on Vashon Island.
I received a four-year degree in Graphic and Commercial Arts in Germany. In 1963 I immigrated to Kodiak Alaska and lived there for 18 years, raising a family of four children and went commercial salmon fishing with my husband and family.
Now I live for almost forty years on Vashon Island, love and appreciate being part of the community. I also teach Watercolor – and Monotype Printmaking Workshops in my studio on Vashon Island.
Twice a year our studio Reimnitz Studio “One Family’s Art” is open during the Vashon Island Artist Studio Tour in May and December.
Ilse’s “One Family’s Art” Studio is stop #13 on the 2023 VIVA Holiday Art Studio Tour, Dec 2-3 & 9-10, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am – 4 pm. For more information on the free, self-guided tour and an interactive map, click here.