Julien Schuster: Engravings from Normandy

 The Dolphin Gallery is excited to unveil “Julien Schuster: Engravings from Normandy,” debuting on July 6, from 1-3 pm. Located in the heart of downtown Gualala, adjacent to Trinks, this exhibit showcases a series of engravings derived from linoleum carvings and brought to life on a vintage press. Achieving a rich tapestry of colors and textures often requires multiple pressing—sometimes up to seven layers. Additionally, Schuster infuses each piece with a personal touch, hand-coloring his works. The historic port city of Honfleur and the bucolic landscapes of Normandy serve as muses for Schuster’s engravings, which vividly capture elements of wine, weather, flora, fauna, and architecture, evoking the essence of the region. This exhibition will be available for viewing until July 28.

Julien Schuster, a French artist known for his illustration and engraving, was born in 1972 in Enghien-Les-Bains, Val d’Oise. His early career involved designing theater sets for children and honing his skills in silk screen printing. Schuster finds joy in reimagining everyday objects, employing his vivid imagination to transform them. Journalist Pauline Brehat once described him as a “lover of life, a sweet dreamer firmly rooted in reality, who seeks to infuse beauty and a lightness into the everyday.” His works are celebrated for their tenderness, humility, simplicity, cheerfulness, poetry, whimsy, and talent.

Schuster’s biography reveals his roots in Enghien-les-Bains, on the outskirts of Paris. His artistic journey began in childhood, inspired by his older brothers and supported by his mother, a nursery school teacher who championed creative expression. While academic pursuits didn’t captivate him, he found a memorable mentor in an elementary school teacher who left a lasting impression on his artistic path.