Some of our Members OGPC/ Des Membres CAGOG
Mary Baranowski-Lowden, Cheryl Ann Beillard, Susan Cartwright, Marven (Verbena) Donati, Denise Lachance; Patti lefebvre, Shealagh Pope, Kathryn Shaw, Andrei Silviu, Katherine Stauble.
Artist Andrei Silviu
My love for art began in Transylvania where I earned a BA and MFA in Fine and Decorative Arts from the University of Arts and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Printmaking quickly became my passion, with its meditative balance of precision and creativity. I experimented with various techniques, from lithography to intaglio and mezzotint, but it was lithography that truly resonated with me. I was captivated by how its intricate and almost alchemical process, transforms a simple drawing on stone into a tangible piece of art. The many steps involved—each requiring patience and precision—allow for a unique blend of flexibility and innovation, making it an endlessly fascinating medium. Along the way, scholarships took me to Poland, and workshops across Romania and Hungary, broadening my understanding of the medium. Each experience shaped my artistic voice, blending surrealism with personal memories to create prints that invite reflection and connection.
After years in the IT field, where I developed new skills but often felt a pull back to art, I made a life-changing move to Canada in 2024. Since then, joining the Ottawa Gatineau Printmakers Collective has been a turning point—connecting with this vibrant, welcoming community rekindled my creative spirit. Printmaking for me is deeply personal—a way to explore my inner world while connecting with others through shared experiences. I’m excited to continue growing as an artist in this new chapter, combining what I’ve learned with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.”
Artist Susan Cartwright
My printmaking journey began at the Ottawa School of Art (OSA) in 2015; until then I had painted in acrylics and wished I was better at it. I had taken general interest classes for some years, but I felt the need to do something different to inspire my painting and help me find my artistic voice. So, more by chance than good planning or foresight, I enrolled in one of Rob Hinchley’s diploma printmaking classes. Almost immediately, I realised I had found a medium I really loved, with a wonderful instructor and a whole new community of inky printmakers.
I devoured each new printmaking medium Rob taught and began to dream of having a press. I purchased a small die cut machine (X-Cut Xpress), followed by an etching press in 2017 and, most recently, an Open Press Project 3D-printed press. I set up a home studio and, impelled and encouraged by Rob, explored printmaking in classes at OSA and on my own at home. I began to collaborate on creative projects, as well as exhibit and sell my work, learning much about the business of art along the way. I took workshops and short courses, and I was inspired by the work I saw on-line from printmakers around the world. I was exposed to different techniques and I soaked up all I could. With the sale of our beloved farm near Perth, I was fortunate to be able to find a studio in Studio Space Ottawa, where I now work and occasionally teach one-on-one. I create lino and wood cut prints, as well as collagraphs, dry points and prints using tetrapak and recycled packaging. In addition to printing from etching plates created at OSA, I hope to start etching in my studio soon. My work remains rooted in the natural world, with occasional urban forays, as I endeavour to share the wonders of nature, which I am privileged to be able to observe and interpret.
Click here for Mary’s profile/ cliquez ici pour le profil de Mary.
Artist Katherine Stauble
Katherine is an Ottawa-based writer and artist, whose printmaking often explores images of trees and landscapes. She can sometimes be found sketching in parks and greenhouses, while at other times, is poised over a keyboard, writing about art for various art institutions. With Beth Shepherd, Katherine is also the co-curator for exhibitions at the Connective Gallery at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre, 35 Stafford Road, Ottawa. See a recent sample of her work exhibited at the Ottawa School of Art, Orleans Campus Gallery here.
Artist Patti Lefebvre
Instagram: @pattilefebvre
Patti was born and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada. She discovered her passion for printmaking while completing the Ottawa School of Art (OSA) Diploma Program in 1999. Patti’s linocut artwork, titled Back of Dan, was featured on the cover of the 1992 OSA Winter General Program Booklet. Over the years, Patti has continued her studies with Mexican printmaker Victor Hernandez Castillo, Deidre Hierlihy, and Eduardo Leyva Herrera. In July 2022, Patti started working as a full- time artist and also teaches in the OSA children’s program. Her work is non-representational and abstract, focusing on the interplay between pattern, colour, shape, and form. Her artwork has been exhibited in local group and our connective’s exhibitions. Her pieces can be found in private collections.
Patti Lefebvre est née et vit actuellement à Ottawa, au Canada. Elle a découvert sa passion pour la gravure en suivant le programme de diplôme de l’École d’art d’Ottawa (EAO) en 1999. La linogravure de Patti, intitulée Back of Dan, a figuré en couverture de la brochure de l’EAO du programme général d’hiver 1992. Au fil des ans, Patti a également poursuivi ses études avec le graveur mexicain Victor Hernandez Castillo, Deidre Hierlihy et Eduardo Leyva Herrera.
En juillet 2022, Patti a commencé à travailler comme artiste à plein temps et enseigne également dans le cadre du programme pour enfants de l’EAO. Son travail est non représentatif et abstrait, et se concentre sur l’interaction entre le motif, la couleur, la forme et le dessin. Les œuvres de Patti ont été exposées dans des groupes locaux et dans des expositions de notre association. Ses œuvres font partie de collections privées.
Artist Denise Lachance
Instagram: @Deniselachance100
Denise is a visual artist and printmaker and has been a member of the Ottawa-Gatineau Printmakers Connective since 2018. She also maintains a lifedrawing and painting practice. Denise lives in Orléans and is a member of Arteast.
Denise est une artiste visuelle et une graveuse. Elle est une membre du Collectif d’ artistes-graveur d’ Ottawa-Gatineau depuis 2018. Elle pratique également le dessin d’après nature et la peinture. Denise vit à Orléans et est membre d’Arteast.
Bull Moose – Not surprisingly, given my roots in Algoma, moose have been an obsession in my work. I come from a family of hunters and trappers and for us moose aren’t just beautiful and mysterious. A successful moose hunt is a generous gift from the land. The image of the slaughtered moose echos a genre that includes some of my favourite work by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Soutine and Jenny Saville.
Bull-Moose – Il n’est pas surprenant qu’étant donné mes racines à Algoma, l’orignal ait été une obsession dans mon travail. Pour moi qui vient d’une famille de chasseurs et de trappeurs, l’orignal n’est pas seulement beau et mystérieux. Une chasse à l’orignal réussie est un cadeau généreux de la terre. L’image de l’élan abattu fait écho à un genre qui comprend certaines de mes œuvres préférées de Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Soutine et Jenny Saville.
On attend In my travels I often have to wait for the train. I look at my fellow travellers and ask myself Who are they? Where are they going? What’s their story? This young black man and I were waiting for the same train. So, while we have our wait in common, the realities and contexts of our journeys are likely much different.
On attend Lors de mes voyages, il m’arrive souvent d’attendre le train. Je regarde mes compagnons de voyage et je me demande Qui sont-ils ? Où vont-ils ? Quelle est leur histoire ? Ce jeune homme noir et moi attendions le même train. Ainsi, bien que nous ayons notre attente en commun, les réalités et les contextes de nos voyages sont probablement très différents.