About this work
Framed dimensions: 26" h x 30" w x 1.5" d
Signed bottom right: Paula Schuette Kraemer
"In 'An Ode," I started with an idea, thanking my old hiking boots for their service. First, I drew them on mylar with oil stick. Drawing on mylar is very similar to doing a monotype on copper. It has the same slipperiness and drag.
Next, I think of composition. What can be on the page with the boots? I settled on all of the hikes and sightings that happened in those boots, from waterfalls to bears.
Then I think about color. Because I work with etching, drypoint and monotype, many proofs are pulled before I arrive at the RTP (Right to Print) which is a visual formula and recipe for how I will print the edition, which is usually small (20 prints). I guess a work is ready to edition when I have pushed it as far as I can towards being a good work of art. Something that tightly holds together line-wise, color-wise and compositionally."