THE PRINTMAKER
Laurence Crooks
Laurence Crooks, is an artist, printmaker, sailor, adventurer, and the life partner of Tanja Karl, his co-founder of Tiny Gallery. Originally from Sydney, Laurence relocated to Canada in the early 1970s, where he founded Annex Art Studio which became a major publishing force specialising in original hand made serigraph prints. As a printmaker he taught and lectured on serigraphy and gave young artists the opportunity to have their work exhibited in print form.
His inspiration draws from the vast landscapes of Australia, North America, Europe and a deep appreciation for historical architecture which began during the rejuvenation of Sydney Rocks in the late '60s, a fascination that still influences his work today. Renowned for his water-colored serigraphs and collages, capturing the essence of country and coastal living, as well as his architectural studies of intriguing old buildings.
Laurences artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with his passion for sailing, as exemplified by his notable seafaring adventure with Tanja from the east coast of the North America, through the Panama Canal, and across the Pacific Ocean, ultimately returning to Australia in 1998 with their four children aboard.
Currently residing on the North Coast of NSW, Laurence remains dedicated to his craft, continually striving to create high standard Serigraphs that reflect his distinctive artistic style. He is known for his serigraphic techniques, which involves hand-blocked screens and traditional methods, resulting in exclusive print editions on archival, pH-balanced, acid-free paper and board. Laurence's artwork has garnered attention from distinguished private and corporate collectors in the United States, Canada and Australia.
THE ARTIST
Tanja Karl
Tanja Karl, born in Berlin, Germany in 1969, immigrated to Canada with her family in 1977, spending her formative years in the rustic landscapes of rural Ontario. Following her graduation from high school she entered the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto in 1987, where she delved into the vibrant art scene, joining Annex Art Studio in 1989. It was there that her creative journey intertwined with Laurence Crooks, during this time she collaboratively developed a series of her first serigraph prints with Laurence.
In 1995, Tanja embarked on a transformative sailing expedition with Laurence, immersing herself in the natural wonder of Australia before making the North Coast of NSW her home in 1999. Her artistic prowess has found recognition through her participation in various group exhibitions across Australia, with her paintings and original serigraphs finding homes in private collections spanning Canada, the United States, Vietnam, and Germany. Notably, her painting "Laurie" garnered acclaim as a finalist in the esteemed Art Gallery of NSW Archibald Prize.
Tanja's artistic expression exceeds conventional boundaries, as her vibrant, emotive compositions resonate with narratives of people and places, delving deep into the human experience. Her collaboration with Laurence Crooks has brought forth a series of original serigraph prints, exemplifying their shared dedication to artistic exploration and expression
THE COLLABORATOR
Allan MacDonald
Allan McDonald is a Canadian artist and printmaker, known for his use of watercolors and his advanced airbrush technique. He was a principal artist at Annex Art Studio in Toronto, with an artistic vision heavily influenced by the Atlantic seaboard's breathtaking splendor, captured in a realist style reminiscent of celebrated artists such as Alex Colville and Christopher Pratt. Allan McDonald's serigraphs capture the essence of natural beauty, ranging from rugged east coast panoramas to art-deco and art-nouveau inspired compositions that effortlessly enhance any space they adorn.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, each of Allan MacDonald's prints from the Annex Art Studio reflects the original work of a distinguished artist and represents the printmaking excellence available today. Published on archival, pH-balanced, acid-free paper and board, every edition is meticulously hand-pulled and numbered, ensuring a limited series of exceptional quality, each bearing the original title and the artist's signature.
Allan McDonald's impressive body of work has garnered extensive recognition, exhibited in prestigious art expos in New York Art Expo, Chicago Art Expo, Miami Art Expo, among others. His artworks have been found in the collections of prominent corporate entities including IBM, Canadian Pacific Airlines, Royal Bank of Canada, Imperial Oil, and London Life.