Reinis Gailītis
Artist is based in: Latvia
Reinis Gailītis is a printmaker specialising in hand-engraved printmaking techniques, particularly copperplate engraving and wood engraving — two of the most historically rich, technically demanding, and today increasingly rare methods.
In a time that prioritises speed and digital production, his practice is defined by patience, precision, and the deliberate pace of the hand-engraved line. Each image is carved directly into copper plates or end-grain boxwood blocks using a burin — a process that takes months to complete and allows no room for error. The resulting line is sharp, crisp, and dynamic, carrying a distinct physical presence that machine or digital processes have yet to replicate.
While copperplate and wood engraving share the same tools and visual language, they operate in conceptual opposites. Copper engraving constructs the image through positive, black lines, similar to drawing with ink, whereas wood engraving reveals the image through negative, white lines — as if drawing with light. This duality forms a central focus in his work, where he explores the possibility of combining these traditionally separate techniques into a unified visual expression.
His practice reflects a broader position within printmaking history — one shaped by technological advancement, where faster and more efficient methods have replaced slower ones. Yet, rather than speed, his work emphasises quality, material resistance, and the enduring value of craftsmanship. Each piece becomes a record of time, attention, and the physical act of engraving.
Printmaking
Portfolio Showcase (not for sale)
Related exhibitions (current and upcoming) View past exhibitions
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