Doris McCarthy: Arctic Remembered

Print sale and fundraiser for the Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto Scarborough

Doris McCarthy’s circa 1972 collagraph plates were discovered in the archives at the Doris McCarthy Gallery, University of Toronto Scarborough. McCarthy carved sheets of cardboard into relief plates, capturing these astonishing Arctic scenes after her first visit to the far north. The plates remained in excellent condition, and it was determined that the images were worthy of a second edition print. Open Studio Master Printer Jill Graham experimented with the plates and discovered that they had the physical integrity to withstand another run on the press.

After many hours of working with the plates and trying to replicate McCarthy’s decisive and painterly gestures with the ink rollers, Jill was able to perceptively access Doris’ verve! In August 2010, she had the opportunity to visit Doris at Fool’s Paradise, McCarthy’s home since 1946. At the time, Doris was in her one hundred and first year, and she gave her enthusiastic approval of the project, agreeing that the funds raised should go toward the Permanent Collection Acquisitions Fund at her namesake gallery. In keeping with Doris’ spirit of mentorship, the Doris McCarthy Gallery is committed to the purchase of art works by young Canadian artists.