Drawing, Engraving, and Printmaking with Florence
Immerse in vibrant cultures of Creole and French heritage on St. Martin, a Caribbean gem, guided by printmaker Florence. Discover the art of drawing, engraving, and printmaking, creating your unique prints amid the backdrop of turquoise waters, lively calypso rhythms, and a delectable blend of French culinary delights and Creole flavors.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1855
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $600
Meet the Artist
Florence, originally from France, is an artist celebrated for her layered, collage-like approach to printmaking. Her creative journey is influenced by her experience living in Africa and French Guiana, where she taught visual arts and worked as a graphic designer and illustrator before settling in St. Martin in the Caribbean. Since then, Florence has exhibited regularly in independent shows and art fairs across the UK, the Caribbean, and Africa and participated in residencies in Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Scotland, Canada, and France.
Florence's artistic work spans drawing, linocut, collage, and installations. She specializes in a graphic style born from black-and-white expressive marks to create narratives that challenge traditional ideas of representation and identity. Florence often explores themes of existence through self-portraits, which she sees as her own avatars. Each piece is a way for her to reinvent herself, inspired by others' perspectives. Her artistic process is one of constant exploration and adaptation. She uses printmaking as a visual diary, combining elements to highlight life's complexities and contrasts. By layering details and incorporating folkloric patterns, Florence creates profoundly personal and universally meaningful works.
Central to Florence's artistic philosophy is the belief that "nothing is lost, everything is created, everything is transformed." This ethos guides her approach to art and inspires others to explore their own narratives. She aims to connect with diverse people, encouraging them to embrace complexity and recognize the interconnectedness of all things.
Florence's artistic work spans drawing, linocut, collage, and installations. She specializes in a graphic style born from black-and-white expressive marks to create narratives that challenge traditional ideas of representation and identity. Florence often explores themes of existence through self-portraits, which she sees as her own avatars. Each piece is a way for her to reinvent herself, inspired by others' perspectives. Her artistic process is one of constant exploration and adaptation. She uses printmaking as a visual diary, combining elements to highlight life's complexities and contrasts. By layering details and incorporating folkloric patterns, Florence creates profoundly personal and universally meaningful works.
Central to Florence's artistic philosophy is the belief that "nothing is lost, everything is created, everything is transformed." This ethos guides her approach to art and inspires others to explore their own narratives. She aims to connect with diverse people, encouraging them to embrace complexity and recognize the interconnectedness of all things.
VAWAA Includes:
- Transform your ideas into prints through drawing and engraving.
- Outdoor drawing session by the waterfront or local market for inspiration.
- Learn drawing and graphic design techniques using hand or digital tools, tailored to your skill level.
- Explore paper and digital montage techniques to create a drawing for engraving.
- Practice techniques for engraving a linoleum plate.
- Create an edition of prints by hand or machine.
- All materials. including engraving tools, one linoleum plate up to 11x8 inches, 10 sheets of paper, ink, as well as newspaper and a special solution for cleaning, are provided.
- If time permits, take a short or mid-level hike to discover beaches accessible only on foot and, if possible, animals like donkeys, horses, and iguanas.
Explore Marigot, Caribbean
Marigot, located on the French side of Saint Martin Island in the Caribbean, is an idyllic blend of French and Caribbean culture. Formerly known as Oualichi in the Arawakan language, meaning "the island of women," Saint Martin Island is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Divided between French and Dutch territories, the island features turquoise waters and spectacular coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Marigot charms visitors with its vibrant Creole houses, bustling waterfront, and a delightful fusion of French culinary delights and Creole flavors. Local specialties such as oxtail stew, Johnny cakes, and crab with rice highlight the island's gastronomic diversity. The island's festive spirit comes alive through music, dance, and Carnival, reflecting the joyful and diverse culture of the island and making it a must-visit destination in the Caribbean.
Marigot charms visitors with its vibrant Creole houses, bustling waterfront, and a delightful fusion of French culinary delights and Creole flavors. Local specialties such as oxtail stew, Johnny cakes, and crab with rice highlight the island's gastronomic diversity. The island's festive spirit comes alive through music, dance, and Carnival, reflecting the joyful and diverse culture of the island and making it a must-visit destination in the Caribbean.
Additional Details
The best times to visit St. Martin are during the winter months (December to April) and early spring (May to June) when the weather is pleasant and the island is bustling with events like Carnival and Heineken Regatta. It’s best to avoid the hurricane season (August to October) due to the high risk of severe weather, and late summer (July to August) when it is very hot, humid, and crowded with vacationers.
The art stores on St. Martin have limited stocks and range of products. If you would like to use specific drawing and engraving materials, it is best to bring them with you.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Adults over 18, elders and people with accessibility issues or special needs are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Florence speaks French and English.
The art stores on St. Martin have limited stocks and range of products. If you would like to use specific drawing and engraving materials, it is best to bring them with you.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Adults over 18, elders and people with accessibility issues or special needs are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
Florence speaks French and English.