On display in the Signal Hill Gallery on the second floor of the Signal Hill Arts Centre is thought-provoking artwork by Shellbrook artist Patricia Grayston. The exhibit is entitled Polska Kraina Przodkow (Lithography, Intaglio, Collographs).

Patricia Grayston is a retired school teacher who is a strong supporter of educational, environmental and historical issues. She returned to the University of Saskatchewan to complete her BFA and graduated in 2003 with great distinction.

While at the university, she discovered printmaking. In the summer of 2002, researching her family roots in Poland, she was overwhelmed with the struggles that her Polish ancestors endured, resulting in this visual tribute.

"This exhibition is a tribute to my father and my Polish relatives with whom I reestablished a connection after 50 years of none. This visit to Poland has opened new doors to understanding into the shaping of that country, my grandparents, my father and thus myself. Events beyond their control have shaped the lives of all people born in Poland. In reflection, my work depicts both love and abhorrence. Though their eyes, I have intensified by abhorrence for a man, a time, a movement and those whose thoughts and/or actions echo such depravity," said Grayston.

Photographs taken on site were transformed through digital imagery to reflect the haunting images in her mind. She chose lithography as a medium to pay homage to people she never knew but had an emotional attachment to.

Photolithography allowed Grayston to superimpose what was and what is. Despite a history of invasions and occupations, the people of Poland look to their country with pride and their future with optimism.

The stately silhouette of the watchtower, the remains of a huge brick castle at Rawa Mazowiecka, reminds the Polish people of past glories. The castle has been partially destroyed and rebuilt several times.

Intaglio suggests to Grayston, the destruction of matter as the acid bath eats into metal while the layering of resist through this sequence reminds her of construction. As this castle is a symbol of continuity for her grandmother's relatives, she chose to represent it from three views to emphasize its importance.

The plate was wiped with a warm brown ink, suggestive of the brick from which the castle is formed and of the warmth with which it is regarded.

Grayston has renovated her father's barn into her art studio in Shellbrook, where she has her custom-built intaglio printing press. She also teaches and creates paintings and pottery.

This exhibit will be on display from Feb. 2 to Thursday, March 1 in the Signal Hill Gallery during regular business hours: Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Call the Signal Hill Arts Centre for more information. This show is sponsored by the City of Weyburn.