Rossen Daskalov
Visual Exploration through the Dynamic Interpretations of Etching
4. – 16. 8. 25
Etching inspires our artistic vision with expressive directness. Drawing on metal comes with technical challenges and occasions surprising discoveries to which the imagination responds with dynamic interpretations. The intensity of the etching marks and their fuller range of variations lead to deeper insight in our exploration of pictorial space.
This course will introduce all intaglio techniques such as dry point, hard and soft ground etching, engraving, aquatint and sugar lift aquatint. In the second week, participants will increase the technical complexity of their projects by combining and extending the different methods. Participants will also experiment by incorporating more layers into the etching process with the spontaneous, painterly qualities of monoprint, stencils and chine collé.
While mastering specific tasks in the different lessons, we will also generate awareness about the importance of drawing in the creative realization of visual ideas. With demonstrations, group discussions and personal guidance, the curiosity of the beginner will be stimulated to discover the rich diversity of printmaking, and for the more experienced printmaker, this course will provide an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the medium. The etching workshop is a busy and exciting place, an open environment for learning that will encourage productive interaction between participants. It will generate enthusiasm for everyone in the group to aim at high standards when creating personal work, and to participate in the open studio exhibition at the end of the course.
Information
- Venue
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Date
- 4. – 16. 8. 25
- Teaching language
- English (Bulgarian possible)
- Participation fee
- 670 Euro (reduced 495 Euro)
- Requirements
- Determination to express visual ideas through drawing. Your sketches could be as simple or as personal as you would like them to be. The aim of the course is to experiment with translating our drawings through the diverse language of etching. Willingness to work and to share your experience within a group. The tutor will give guidance for participants to engage individually with the specific tasks in the different stages of etching.
- What to bring
- Sketchbooks, preliminary drawings, photos, specific objects and other visual materials that participants would like to use to develop their etching projects. Drawing materials of the participant’s choice. Loose sheets of drawing paper, soft pencils, erasers, sharpener. A few brushes for applying varnishes: flat hog bristle and fine tip round nylon brushes for aquatint. Another 3–4 different sizes (fine to medium) soft brushes for making mono prints. Black permanent marker and a set of watercolors. Tissue paper (Japanese or Chinese) for chine collé. Water-soluble wax crayons. A few sheets of acetate sizes A3 and A2 for monoprint and stencils. It will be helpful if participants could bring their own etching tools such as etching needles, dry point hard steel needles, roulettes, burnishers, and scrapers. Aprons or working clothes and rubber gloves.
- Maximum number of participants
- 16
- Co-teacher
- Daniela Kasperer
Rossen Daskalov
Rossen Daskalov (born 1967) is a figurative artist who works in painting, sculpture and printmaking. Rossen’s works concern the conflict between the individual’s inner world and the imposed order of dominant authority. Amidst a collision of events, his artistic sensitivity ignites to reimagine societal tensions as the pulsating screens of shared conscience. Responding to these convulsing signals with visual urgency, he connects with the rhythmic force of physical forms to reveal the pictorial space as an equivalent of being. He shuns the pursuit of stylistic identity, for style is of lesser value than the depth of emotion stirred by reality to emerge as lived realization rather than predefined concept.
He lives and works in London and Sofia, and he is a senior faculty member at the Royal Drawing School, London.
Exhibitions
Most important solo exhibitions and residencies:
2022 Artist in residence in Dumfries House, Cumnock (UK).
2018 Crowded solitude, Mercer and Chance Gallery, London.
2016 For the prodigal, Bulgarian Cultural Institute, London.
2013 Antilovewise, The Red House Centre for Culture and Debate, Sofia.
2012 Public sculpture commission for Southwark Council, London.
Most important group exhibitions and other commissions
2021–22 Painting commission for Peninsula Hotel, London.
2021 11th Triennale of Print in Chamalieres, France.
2017 National Open Print Exhibition, Bankside Gallery, London, recipient of Gallery Magazine Award.
2015 National Open Print Exhibition, Bankside Gallery, London.
2010 Drawing from Msheireb, Artist in Residence in Doha, Qatar.
Instagram @rossendaskalov
Publications
2023 DELEUZINE volume 2 “SHE DOGS”, Editor Lilly Markaki @deleuzine, London.
2012 “Drawing from Msheireb”, Twelve Artists on changing a neighborhood, Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation.
