Bernard Zalon, born on February 24, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, is a dedicated printmaker who has devoted his career to the art of etching. A lifelong resident of New York City, Zalon has established himself in the printmaking world through his commitment to traditional etching techniques and his distinctive artistic vision. Despite his reluctance toward artist statements, believing that ""the work should speak for itself,"" his prints communicate his unique perspective and technical mastery.
Artistic Style and Technique
Zalon's works are exclusively original prints created through the etching medium. His technical process involves working on copper plates, drawing with a needle through an acid-resistant ground. The image is then ""bitten"" into the metal using acid, after which Zalon individually inks and pulls each print from the plate. His inspiration comes from various sources, as he explains: ""Sometimes I get ideas and illustrate them, sometimes I see things and draw them. Sometimes it's a combination of the two."" This approach allows for a blend of imagination and observation in his creative process.
Educational Background and Career Evolution
With an educational foundation in architecture, Zalon earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1973 from the City College of New York, where he began his studies in 1970. However, his artistic journey took several turns before finding his true calling. In the summer of 1971, he sold plastic flowers on the street, perhaps an early indication of his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in visual expression.
The pivotal shift in Zalon's career came in 1974 when he took a printmaking course at the Brooklyn Museum Art School. Becoming disenchanted with architecture, he started selling hand-colored offset prints on the street in 1975 and subsequently left architecture behind to pursue art full-time.
Dedication to Etching
Zalon's commitment to etching began in earnest in 1981 when he started studying at the Art Students League in New York City. His pursuit of mastery in this medium led him to international study at the Institut Des Arts D'Ixelles in Brussels, Belgium, from 1984 to 1985. Since 1981, Zalon has been a full-time etcher, demonstrating remarkable dedication to this traditional art form. As of his last update, he continues to work at the Art Students League, where his journey with etching began, coming full circle in his artistic development.