Image: Libby SCHREIBER
School boy Ned 2019
15 x 12 cm
Black and white linocut
Printed on stonehenge paper
Gallery Shop
1—30 September 2026
Libby Schreiber is a printmaker and teacher based in rural North East Victoria. Her black and white linocuts feature a range of Australian subjects that primarily explore identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
The initial inspiration behind the Kelly series was instigated by a simple thought. “Is Kelly’s armour more iconic than Kelly himself”? What followed was a tongue in cheek exploration of alternative materials that Kelly may have considered as a suitable disguise, including lampshades, petrol bowsers and familiar road signs.
Libby quickly saw the potential for storytelling, creating further works that encompass a variety of themes and interpretations.
Over time, Libby has developed a style that is decorative and whimsical. She finds inspiration in a title, often sought from a variety of themes. Images are drawn onto the linoleum and then carefully carved and printed in her studio, where she creates black and white and colour reduction prints, containing stylized, yet familiar subjects.
Whilst Libby formally trained as a painter, it is print, specifically linocut that has enabled her to find her individual style and passion for art making. Libby finds carving not only therapeutic but thoroughly enjoys the spontaneity it brings to her work, creating textures and atmosphere that would be difficult to produce in other mediums.
About the artist
Libby studied at the University of Melbourne, where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. She has also studied printmaking at Preston TAFE and at the Briagolong School of Art with Heather Shimmen and David Frazer.
Libby has been exhibiting her linocut prints for more than 20 years, with regular entries in the King Valley Art Show, Mansfield Easter Art Show and Mansfield Auxiliary Art Show. More recently, her work has been shown in a solo show at Wangaratta Art Gallery called Domestic Bliss 2021 Whereabouts, Ballarat 2023; Tastes of Art, Rutherglen 2023; the Annual Autumn Art Exhibition, Bright 2023; and the Mansfield Easter Art Show, Mansfield 2023.
Libby has received numerous prizes and awards, including Other Medium at Bright in 2016; Best Under $750 at St Kevin’s in 2016; Highly Commended at Bendigo in 2016; Works on Paper at Corowa in 2015; Highly Commended at Parade in 2015; Highly Commended at Warranwood in 2015; Other Medium at Bright in 2015; Works on Paper at King Valley in 2015; Other Medium at DACE in 2015; Highly Commended at Mansfield in 2015; and Best Other Medium in 2022 at Bright Art Gallery.
Works for sale in the Gallery Shop are available for purchase from Benalla Art Gallery, or by contacting the Gallery: T 03 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au
