Prints by Walter Hansen

Sing II

printsbywalterhansen — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:55:37 +0000

This is the second edition of my first print, Sing. It’s printed in metallic silver and white inks on black Notturno 250gsm stock and looks lush. The typefaces are all designed by kiwi Joseph Churchward, and the birds, in their Māori and English names, are all New Zealand natives. This is a hand-signed edition of 80 – it was supposed to be 87 in celebration of certain events featuring the same digits, but quality control took priority. Available ~~soon~~ now from my stockists Endemic World and the others mentioned in the Purchasing section to the right.

HOME New Zealand x Walter

printsbywalterhansen — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:09:25 +0000

The excellent HOME New Zealand magazine asked me to do a piece they could use for their tea towel bundle. One day, possibly in the distant future, designs in this series I call Decorative Panels will make their way onto some beautiful materials for your walls.

Make sure to subscribe to the HOME blog too.

Metro x Walter

printsbywalterhansen — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:48:07 +0000

The team at Metro Magazine was kind enough to ask me to illustrate the cover for their deluxe September 2011 issue. With art direction from Metro’s Matt Moss. If you’re outside of Auckland you’ll see it on the back cover, Mr Richie McCaw made the front for the rest of the country. Fair enough too.

Final product printed in CMYK + 2 spot colours – lime green and mmmmmmetallic silver.

Come back, Kōkako…

printsbywalterhansen — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 05:02:14 +0000

It would be nice to think the Kōkako have made a Comeback, but having never seen or heard one, I’d just like them to Come Back. This edition is split into two colourways – one for the blue-wattled North Island Kōkako, and one for the presumed-extinct yellow/orange-wattled South Island Kōkako. There are only 35 of each and it’s printed on the same stock as my previous print The Huia Show, hand-signed and embossed and available from Endemic World soon.

Now for some recommended listening: here’s a recording of the Kōkako song so you know what to listen out for… and Pearl Jam’s Come Back was an inspiration for this print too.

Here’s a sketch I did on the bus. Somehow it went from sketch phase to final with little change.

This is part II of my Wattlebird Gig series, so you’ll be able to guess what the third and final will be.

Dandini Comes Clean – Paintings by Robert McLeod

printsbywalterhansen — Sat, 21 May 2011 03:47:58 +0000

This book has recently been published by PAULNACHE, one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary art dealers. It’s a look back at the last 10 years of Wellington-based artist Robert McLeod’s amazing body of work. Go here for loads of photos showing the design of the book. McLeod’s paintings are brilliant, see some more of his work here or on his Facebook page.

B-sides

printsbywalterhansen — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:24:25 +0000

When my printers are nailing down colour and registration they randomly produce some really interesting compositions and textures, which can lead to new ideas. Here’s a few of my favourite accidental gems.

Chirp – Kōkako Edition

printsbywalterhansen — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:19:44 +0000

The never-to-be-repeated Black/Red colourway of Chirp is now in 70 homes around the world. Thanks to all who bought one. I couldn’t let these beauties go extinct though, so here’s the Blue/Black Kōkako Edition. Printed on Somerset 500gsm by Magpie Press, hand-signed limited edition of 70. All typefaces by Joseph Churchward. Available soon at Endemic World.

The Huia Show

printsbywalterhansen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:41:11 +0000

I came across this quote while researching my earlier print Sing:

“While we were looking at and admiring this little picture of bird-life, a pair of Huia, without uttering a sound, appeared in a tree overhead, and as they were caressing each other with their beautiful bills, a charge of No. 6 brought them both to the ground together. The incident was rather touching and I felt almost glad that the shot was not mine, although by no means loth to appropriate 2 fine specimens.”

– Sir Walter Buller

(From The Penguin Natural World of New Zealand by Gerard Hutching.)

That inspired this print, called The Huia Show. I wish those who eradicated the Huia had been more considerate, as I would’ve liked the opportunity to listen to the Huia’s music and watch them perform. I’d be happy to do their gig posters too.

Available online at Endemic World and in-the-paper at Popup Gallery on Ghuznee Street (who offer some sweet framing options too).

This is screenprinted on cream 216 gsm Environment paper, which is made up using 30% post-consumer recycled fibres, which are visible in the stock. The dark blue areas have a hint of silver ink blended through that add depth and give it a metallic sheen. Hand-signed and embossed edition of 70, 500 x 750 mm.

Update: Just got my magic #17 framed.

Romantic

printsbywalterhansen — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:25:38 +0000

I always thought this crass kiwi saying was pretty wrong – but what if this crude proclamation was actually a heartfelt rumination on one’s true love? Well, if it was, you’d letterpress 30 copies in gold on black Somerset card. 320 x 219 mm. The base typeface is a blackletter called Agincourt by David Quay. Printing by none other than Magpie Press. Available at Endemic World; or if you’re in Wanaka, bowl in to The Wonder Room to check it out.

And just in case you can’t read it, here’s the starting point…

ASB x Walter

printsbywalterhansen — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:49:45 +0000

I was fortunate enough to be asked to do a piece for ASB, as a part of their huge brand repositioning by Droga5. Read more about it here. My brief was to interpret ASB’s new manifesto, and this is the result. I hope it entertains those of you sitting idly until the bus arrives. Or doesn’t arrive, as is often the case.

Update: check out some pics of the press ad and concept sketch at my Bēhance page.