A Rare Bird Indeed

The small-but-growing cult of gocco print artists presents an interesting phenomenon. Could it be the antiquity of the method (dating back to the ancient year of 1977) that attracts so many of today’s most talented individuals? Is there some appeal in the mystique of a process not fully understand by the majority of art lovers? Or is there something intangibly delicious in the very tangible, hands-on aspect of gocco that captures the heart of the artist? Whatever it is, Bridget Farmer of Bridbird is one of those “rare birds” who know how to bring a vision to life through the magic of a Print Gocco machine, be it a pair of diametrically balanced, generously plumed birds bowing, or a classic Victorian house in Melbourne that reflects the inviting earthiness of the Aussie coastal character in olive and apricot tones. Bridget's subjects, at turns as singular and stripped-down as a writhing haddock then suddenly festive as a decorated owl, suggest a thematic approach that respects the power of everyday images, and a practical habit of choosing color with discernment, at times dispensing with color altogether.

Browsing Bridbird’s gallery of images, it isn’t difficult to envision these lovely prints occupying space on your own walls: The Peacock, for example in the living room; Kitchen Utensils, or perhaps I Do Not Think There Is Anything Wrong With Pear Shaped in the kitchen; Three Female Satin Bowerbirds in the sun room, should you be lucky enough to have a sun room. Bridbird prints are instantly accessible, and delightfully conversational. The only question, after bringing one home, is whether you’ll be able to resist bragging to friends about your latest rare find on Etsy. Generously, Bridbird is also offering one free gocco print, of the reader’s choice, to the winner of today’s giveaway. To qualify, visit Bridbird, then come back here to tell us about your favorite print. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 11/29/08.

**We have a winner! SeahorseLady said, "Very nice work. I like the Gocco Screen Print, Fancy Bird no. 1, Blue the most."***