Biography

Valgerdur Hauksdottir is an Icelandic artist / printmaker. She holds an MFA from the University of Illinois. Previous engagements include; Chair of the Icelandic Printmakers’ Association, Head of Printmaking and Vice Principal of the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, Founder and Co-ordinator of the experimental European Printmaking Program PA&R, Faculty of The Iceland Art Academy, The University of Iceland, The University of Indiana, Bloomington, and Guest lecturer/ artist at several institutions internationally. Ms. Hauksdottir’s works have been exhibited widely and have received international recognition. Hauksdottir’s artwork is represented in, e.g., Printmaking at the Edge by Richard Noyce (2006) and in Printmaking: A Contemporary Perspective by Paul Coldwell (2010). Ms. Hauksdottir is the founder and director of the organization VIA-art.

Themed Panel (Proposed)

Environmental
Non-toxic workshops have been established in various places around the world, and less hazardous materials are being explored locally and internationally. How far have these research studies come and what is being done to share the results with the international printmaking community?  Will we succeed in working with media that do the least (or no) harm to nature, the environment and to ourselves, yet are creatively/qualitatively satisfying when it comes to the finished print?

A new workshop project is being launched by VIA-art in Iceland in the autumn of 2013 focusing on environmental awareness and non-toxic methods used in printmaking today. Emphasis will be on interdisciplinary methods, learning about geology, history and environmental issues specific to Iceland. Focus will be on small groups traveling to particular areas in Iceland.

The aim is to encourage awareness and respect for the environment, to see how nature may influence art work and how through travel, interdisciplinary work and safe methods of working it is possible not only to learn more about the materials used and the places visited, but also about yourself and your artwork. Self-awareness / responsibility and
self-expression / development are thus important elements of the program.

The talk will include an introduction to the project and its aim, and explain how individuals, students, artists and institutions can participate.

VIA-art is an organization established and run by the Icelandic artist /printmaker and educator Valgerdur Hauksdottir who has years of experience in the field and is an internationally recognized printmaker.
For further information: http://www.via-art.com and http://www.hauksdottir.is