Jini Grinwald made her reservation a year in advance. She wanted to spend the month of September in the Gallinero and working with Maureen in the studio. She had studied printmaking at Melbourne University, “but that was a long time ago,” and she thought she needed to learn some new approaches. “Traditional printmaking didn’t offer me enough sponteneity,” says Jini. “I needed some techniques capable of offering me more freedom, more fun, not the same old kitchen chores.” Jini caught the plane back to Australia this morning, but before she left she had time to answer some questions in the airport coffee shop:
What did you set out to achieve on this trip, Jini?
The truth is I had low expectations. I had an idea of what I needed–freeing up–but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I also needed some time for myself. I wasn’t particularly interested in sightseeing or shopping (Though I had time to do a bit of both; the Alhambra is not to be missed.) I just wanted to learn in order to fulfill a lacking in myself. I thought perhaps Maureen’s solarplate and liquid metal processes might help me. Underlying the whole project was the idea of an homage to my son, Shimon, who was devoted to art during all of his too-short life. I wanted to continue what might have been his life’s work.
Why Spain? Why Maureen?
I googled “printmaking summer school” and Spain stood out in the search results. Nothing there impressed me much until I discovered Maureen’s site. I think it was the brief video previews of her Printmaking Master Classes series that convinced me that she was a person I could work with and learn from. I wasn’t wrong. In just a couple of days working together Maureen became my maestra and a lifelong friend.
What surprised you during your time in the Gallinero and Maureen’s studio?
A lot of things surprised me, such as how good the Gallinero cabin made me feel, and how well I slept and worked there. After a few days I told Maureen I wanted to take it back to Australia with me! I was surprised at Maureen and Mike’s sweet natural hospitality and how quickly and gently Maureen put me on the track to a whole new approach to creating art. I loved the walks along the riverside path, shopping at the village grocery store, the Spanish coffee shop breakfasts, and stargazing from the terrace of the Gallinero. I was also delighted with the wholly unexpected every-other-day trips to Maureen’s spa and gym. It meant getting up early, but it really put us on for the day’s work. The first thing I’m going to do when I get back to Melbourne is to find a salt-water spa!
What did you produce in your month with Maureen?
I produced a rich and varied body of work that surpassed my expectations. And I “produced” the self confidence to continue along the same lines when I get home.
What are you taking home with you?
Thanks to my maestra I’m taking home a big portfolio of mainly solarplate and liquid metal prints. And I’m taking home new friendships and a bright new outlook on my life and work. That’s all.
Printmaking Courses in Spain 
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