Welcome to Haavy's Haven

Let me transport you through time and space, to a particular moment and place. Where colour and style set the mood, and your mind is gently renewed.

I first took an interest in photography in 1999. I had begun working for an electronics retailer and digital cameras had just begun to take off. So when an opportunity to travel to Japan came up in 2002, I was well prepared to photograph the beautiful scenery I encountered. A few years later I returned and expanded my travels to Thailand and Cambodia, where again i stood and photographed scenes I never thought possible.

Fast forward to the fall of 2018. In need of a distraction, I decided to learn how to silkscreen print. Inspired by a woodblock print I had purchased while in Japan, I set out hoping to one day (with a lot of hard work) make something similar.

Silkscreen Printing

Screen printing involves separating your image into layers (usually one per colour) which are then turned into framed stencils that can be applied one at a time to recreate your image. Each layer's colour can be altered, allowing you to create an endless number of colour compositions and themes. It was this aspect that 'set the hook' and drew me in. I loved how small changes in hue, tone, or contrast could completely transform the mood and atmosphere of an image. The same image, could feel dark and ominous, or be calming and carefree.

Woodworking

My woodworking journey started with the construction of the frames used for the screen printing stencils. It quickly spiraled into a full on takeover of my garage and most of the rooms in my house. By the time my head cleared, I was milling my own lumber, making my own wood stains, and cutting and painting mattes from 1/8" hardboard. You can see more of that process in the Monoprints section.


.Printing on Canvas & Premium Paper

Now something I had not accounted for, but my woodworking peers will attest to, is that everything takes twice as long to finish as originally planned for. Both silkscreen printing, and woodworking come with steep learning curves before you even begin the artistic side of the process. I quickly realized I had far more ideas and photographs than I could realistically bring to life with screen printing. So I've started looking at other printing options to add to my skill set.

Currently I am printing each of my designs on canvas, as well as matte & semi-gloss premium paper. Monoprints are printed on a cotton / polyester fabric blend.

I am also experimenting with printing on metal and acrylic, so check back often as I expand my catalogue, add new colour themes, and print on new materials.

Let tired and boring walls beware, a Haavy print doesn't play fair. With colours and patterns made to delight, your walls just lost a good chunk of light!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my store, and learn a little about me.

Haavy

Please note: All artwork is created from original photography and is copyrighted by the artist.