Artist Statement and Work

I am a printmaker.  My interest is primarily etching and monotype.  I usually work in small series, and am focused on botanical and life forms.  I also do children’s art, and am interested in making art accessible to all people, regardless of age or background.

I work from my home studio, and use an Ettan etching press for all of my work, as well as Rives BFK printing paper, high quality French rag.

Although I do not have a formal degree in art, I trained at the San Francisco Art Institute, and the Portland Northwest college of Art, studying with Mark Mahaffey and Tom Prochaska.  I have also apprenticed with Patricia Pfeffer, a San Diego printmaker and teacher, and founding member of the North County Printmakers, as well as Marilyn Maricle, a Portland printmaker and founding member of the Print Arts Northwest (formerly the Portland Print Council).

I do have a day job in Portland but do the printmaking for relaxation and sanity!

Betsy Oakes:  Printmaker