Interdependence drawing, formats around 14,8x21cm, various printmaking techniques, hair and wool, 2021

Interdependence drawings is an artist edition that documents practicing empathie towards sheep. It consists of A5 pages of paper with text and images in different graphic techniques. The edition shows how the human and sheep exchange emotions and develop a sympathetic understanding of one another.

The interdependence drawings are both a documentation of a journey and an artistic continuation of Cognitive-Based Compassion Training (CBCT). Additionally, they investigate how empathie can be integrated into the creative process. Another question guiding this work is how to depict other-than-hu- man animals in art and more precisely, how to visually represent a respectful human-other-than-human animal connections. This project further aims to demonstrate the transformative effects of human-other-than-human encounters.

A further key focus of this project is developing a more eco-friendly approach to printmaking. Graphic art often relies on materials such as metal plates, acids or chemical-based inks, some of which are harmful to both the environment and the artist. By exploring different techniques and testing less toxic alternatives, this project serves as a step towards a more sustainable creative process. The edition integartes linocut, rubber printing, monotype, dry point, and etching, printed primarily with oil paint. Having limited experien- ce with dry point, etching, and rubber printing, the initial works are made with conventional plates and acids. Throughout the printing process, I experimented with different types of paper. These included bleached papers of various weights, recycled paper, and rice paper. Also, various printing inks were tested, including water-based linocut ink, oil-based ink, and oil paint. Later onwards, I began experiment with water-based inks and watercolor.