Postcards from the River

Working from a printmaking studio at the Christine Heremaia Field Centre, Bridget created a series of Postcards from the River using the intaglio printmaking process of dry-point etching. She experimented with dyes made from plant material gathered within the catchment, soaking paper in river-sourced botanicals to produce subtle, earthy tones that reflected the textures and colours of the awa. The project brought together ecology, art, and place-based storytelling, capturing the unique character of the river through handmade works.

About the Artist

Bridget Allen completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in sculpture before expanding her practice into green sculpture, horticulture, and landscape design. Her creative interests led her to explore remarkable gardens such as the Eden Project, and eventually to study landscape architecture at Lincoln University, graduating in 2022.

Between degrees, Bridget developed community-focused art initiatives centred on social equity and waste reduction. She co-founded the New Brighton Stitch-O-Mat Charitable Trust, a community sewing space where locals create projects together. She also runs Pop-up Printmaking workshops—location-specific dry-point etching sessions using a portable press and historic images of the local area.

Her own art practice draws on the landscapes and botanicals of Aotearoa, often inspired by mountain biking tracks and changing environments across Te Waipounamu. Through printmaking, she explores the intersection of ecology, terrain, and human connection to place.