KAPKAP LONG TINGTING BLONG MI
(‘Prize for best work under $1000’, Aspiring Art Prize 2011)
I am a New Zealand-born artist of Swiss parents, currently based in Invercargill. For many years I have been printmaking and more recently experimenting with paper sculpture. In 1992 I graduated from the Otago Polytechnic School of Art with a Diploma in Fine Arts (honours). My art practice includes woodcuts, monoprints, mixed media and artists books. Occasionally I teach printmaking and bookbinding classes. I have also been commissioned to illustrate books and brochures. For most of my adult life I have worked part-time in the book trade, from Auckland to ZĪrich. My prints and artists books have been exhibited widely in New Zealand and also in Japan and the United States.
To purchase original limited edition prints - click here to go to the order page.
Since returning to NZ in 2010 I have set up a print studio in Invercargill. I am exploring the surrounds of Southland and produce small limited edition woodcuts that record this environment. The prints often use multiple blocks combined with monoprinting and collage. After two years of living in Vanuatu, recent work also has a Melanesian flavour. I am particularly interested in the styles of the salusalu (a neck garland worn to mark special occasions). In Vanuatu, salusalus are often threaded with croton leaves. To mark my return to New Zealand I am incorporating leaves based on New Zealand natives and introduced species. The leaves are constructed of paper, sculpted, painted, then sealed with shellac. 
In 2008 and 2009 I was based in Port Vila, Vanuatu — initially working at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (National Library and National Museum) and at Olwi School in Blacksands, Port Vila, as an unassigned VSA volunteer. Then in June 2009 I started a rehabilitation pilot programme, working as Art Programme Advisor for Correctional Services at Stade Prison.
GALLERIES: Gallery De Novo, Dunedin; The Gilded Leaf, Napier; Pataka Museum Shop, Porirua; Portobello Gallery, Dunedin; Riverton Arts Centre, Southland; Salamander Gallery, Christchurch; Somebody’s Darling Gallery & Design;
For those of you who thought the spelling of my name was Katie Buess, Katy Beuss or Katie Beuss (WRONG!) − congratulations on getting here.
Contemporary NZ printmaker, contemporary New Zealand printmaker, contemporary NZ printmaking, contemporary New Zealand printmaking. Invercargill artist, Invercargill printmaker, printmaking in Southland. Japanese woodblock inspired, German expressionist printmaking inspired, woodblocks, wood blocks woodcuts, wood cuts.
Vanuatu illustrations, Vanuatu drawings
