William Kurelek - I'm Beautiful

Date: 1976
Medium: Lithograph
Edition: OS 2
Paper Size: 19.5” x 17”, Image size: 13” x 11” 

Many of Kurelek’s artworks depict life on the farm from his time growing up in the Canadian Prairies, and this stone lithograph, titled ‘I’m Beautiful’ is a charming example.

This edition is signed as the second of two 'Open Studio Proofs' originally assigned to the Open Studio print archive. The original numbered edition size of this print was an edition of 100. This print was published by Isaacs Gallery and printed at Open Studio with Don Holman, the then Director of Lithography. Holman’s embossed artist's chop can be seen in the bottom right corner of the paper.

This proof is a rare example of the lithograph as it was when it left the print studio. In the final released edition, elements of the print including the pig’s snout, bucket, and details of the fence post were hand-coloured by Kurelek. Hear Lynne Wynick speaking about this print in this archive interview.

Signed: William Kurelek in bottom right beneath image.
Provenance: Open Studio print archive.
Publisher: Isaacs Gallery, Toronto.