Archive: Issue No. 75, November 2003

Motivation for purchase:
Wim Botha, one of last year's Ampersand Fellows in New York, tentatively strolled into the etching workshop of Galamander Press one morning while master-printer Randy Hemminghaus and I were discussing the photogravure collaboration that was in process with William Kentridge.

Wim unexpectedly found himself in a professional etching studio, and was welcomed as an observer to a discussion which included Kate McCrickard, gallery director and fellow-artist, on the collaborative process involved in creating editioned works of art.

Perhaps he understood why those who can draw want to try their skills on copper. On his return to South Africa he visited our print workshop in Johannesburg with ideas formulated for the inclusion of etchings in the installation he was preparing for his artist-in-residence at the KKNK 2003 Festival. An etching printed on white leather, presented in an old Victorian frame was not quite classic use of the etching medium.

Since then Wim has created a series of etchings. I believe he will continue to exploit the medium. It is a privilege to be able to offer support to a very fine artist at an early stage of his career and we are pleased that editioned works by Wim can now be found in art galleries and important collections in South Africa.