York Public Library to exhibit works of Ogunquit artist Don Gorvett

Don Gorvett's print, "The Cove in the Wake of a Blizzard"
YORK VILLAGE - Artist Don Gorvett's acclaimed work in the medium of Reduction Woodcut will be the focus on an exhibit that is now on view at the York Public Library.

Gorvett produces his powerful woodcut prints on a large French Tool etching press. He is a graduate of the School of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and a board member of the Boston Printmakers.

Gorvett's work will be on display at the library through the end of July.

And, if you want to know more about Gorvett and his work, the library is hosting a reception and discussion with the artist on Wednesday, June 14, at 6 p.m.

The New England Coast and the sea are fundamental to the artist's creations, which are also influenced by a romantic passion for history, drama and music. His considerable skills as a draftsman and his thorough understanding of the medium of print are prominent features of his bold, graphic style.

"Upon the sea waters of estuaries and harbors are mirrored the play of interweaving lights and darks of buildings and piers crowned by steeples and mast tops," Gorvett said. "I am fascinated by the ghostly quality of these buildings looming out of the mists, endowed with strength and endurance."

Gorvett's medium, multi-color reduction woodcut is the process whereby all of the colors are printed for a single plank of wood. The "Edition" or number of prints must be determined beforehand, since tee overlay or preservation of prior colors will be achieved by the gradual destruction of the block. One cannot retreat during the process. The result is that the finished print cannot be reproduced in kind beyond the originally determined number of prints.

Gorvett also designs large-scale murals and backdrops for theater, as well as sketching in oil and watercolor.

Gorvett is a resident of Ogunquit, and his works can be found in the collections of the Portland Museum of Art, The Ogunquit Museum of American Art, the Cape Ann Historical Museum, the Duxbury Art Complex and numerous corporate and private collections.

For more on Gorvett's exhibit and visit, and other York Public Library events, visit www.york.lib.me.us.

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