Bunya trees inspire state recognition for Maleny paper artist

Kim Herringe at her North Maleny studio and, below, Hinterland Bunyas, Curramore, 24 August 2024. Main image: Barry Alsop, Eyes Wide Open Images

NORTH Maleny printmaker Kim Herringe has secured a coveted place in the State Library of Queensland’s Artists’ Books Collection with her latest artist book, Hinterland Bunyas, Curramore, 24 August 2024.

The special acquisition pays tribute to the majestic bunya pines of the Hinterland and features a combination of blind embossing and intaglio printmaking referenced from photographed locations across the hinterland.

“The imagery was all referenced from photographs, recreating them in the printmaking processes,” said Kim. “The intention of the book is to return the same trees in 3-5 years, to see if they have survived the dieback.

“I am thrilled they also acquired a copy of my Sky Dancers artist book at the same time. It is a privilege and an honour to now have three books in their Collection.”

Kim’s passion for printmaking runs deep. “Ink runs through my veins,” she said describing how she has always loved printing, from potato prints to graphic design. After 30 years in advertising and marketing, Kim moved to Maleny in 2009, keen to immerse herself in hand-printing onto paper and to capture the calming and quirky moments from nature.

Working with relief, contact and intaglio printmaking, she finds peace and presence in the natural environment, away from the haste of modern life. Reduction linocut printing is her specialty, often taking weeks of meticulous carving and printing. Yet she still explores monoprinting, etching, cyanotype, letterpress, screenprinting and more, savouring the endless possibilities of printmaking’s varied forms.

Teaching is also a key facet of Kim’s artistic life. She runs small group workshops from her North Maleny studio, aiming to demystify the processes of printmaking for beginners and seasoned artists alike.

“Printmaking can be simpler than it seems,” she said, emphasising new materials that make it more accessible for home-based printmakers.

With Hinterland Bunyas and Sky Dancers now joining her earlier works at the State Library, Kim continues to share her creative vision and passion for print with local and statewide audiences alike.

• For more information on her workshops, visit www.kimherringe.com.au