TARO TAKIZAWA was one of the many printmakers I met during open portfolio. I was really taken back by his use of color and pattern to create these urban landscapes of Japan. "Home remember remember remember," was my personal favorite. Although I wasn't able to score one of these prints, I was able to obtain a proof of "Gekka Bijin".
Due to a bad internet connection and my personal impatience, it was really hard to post anything this week about the convention. But that doesn't mean that I have less things to say. It seems most of my post are going to come in a backwards fashion. That is, I'm going to write my reflections on the entire trip first then relate the details of the events I attended and the art I saw.
The Southern Graphics Council International conference was nothing short of amazing. I cannot stress enough how important it was to be able to witness what is going on in the printmaking world both on a national and international level. And how exciting it was to be able to experience it in a group. Together as a group of six, we were able to cover most of the demos and panels. And with this blog, we have easy access to a compilation of notes and pictures for whenever we need it.
In addition to the public part of the convention, it was greatly beneficial to talk to a variety of people practicing and living off their art, not only printmaking, but painting, ceramics and other mediums.
The Merry Potter: Mary Merrill
One of the first artists I encountered. One of two ceramic artists in Wisconsin who specialize in crystalline glazes. She so graciously and warmly welcomed us into her studio and showed us her work space. Told us about her collective and how they managed to install a gas kiln, raku kiln and fume hood in the basement of the Marshall Building of Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. It involved having to make a hole in the wall in order to unload the kiln from the elevator.
http://www.milwaukeepotteryguild.com/16401/18222.html
Too Much Metal Fred
Showed us some great hospitality and didn't let us leave empty handed. Nice to see some good old screen prints on both fabric and paper. Was nice enough to direct us to some good printmaking galleries a little further from downtown and quench our thirst with some water and the knowledge that water fountains are called "bubblers" in Milwaukee.
Talked to us about the importance of observing and processing information in order make statements using images and text. And the importance of voicing some of those statements, thus sending us off with a little assignment for when we are back in Texas.
(Part of our homework assignment from Fred)
http://www.smacdesign.com/
Plaid Tuba: Stephanie Barenz
Pulled us in from the hallway after curiously peeking through windows and open doors. It was great to be able to look at her studio and have her talk to us about her subject matter and her transition from printmaking into painting. She was also very welcoming and gave us some helpful advice on website and business cards. The best part in my opinion was having her talk about life after grad school and finding opportunities in unexpected places, like her hometown Milwaukee.
Plaid Tuba: Reginald Baylor
Obviously a rising star with his mosaic like acrylic paintings and Afro American subjects. A full-time artist of 6 years, I find him to be a great source of inspiration. He is a true testament to hard work and patience.
http://www.reginaldbaylor.com/
-Liz
It's our last night here in Milwaukee...this trip has gone by so fast! It has been an amazing experience. Between yesterday and today, I've seen a ton of great art work! Yesterday's activities were held at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. I went to a panel discussion called "Theories of Making" which was very interesting. Some of the topics that were discussed, were how the process informs the meaning of the work of art and how there is this intersection between doing and making. Most of my work evolves from the process and takes a lot of trial and error, so it was good to hear them discuss about ways to filter through the failures.
After the discussion, I went to the Publisher Fair and bought a book of poems and illustrations by Julia Cohen and Mathias Svalina titled When We Broke The Microscope published by Small Fires Press. Seeing letterpress and artist's books makes me want to get into bookmaking and incorporate some of my poems into it.
I spent the rest of the afternoon walking through MIAD and checking out the work that they had on display. In the evening we went to the DPA Printmaking Party at a local bar and listened to music while checking out prints. I picked up a really cool print and a t-shirt. It was a great night!
Today was very laid back. We started off the day at MIAD and made a second round through the Publisher Fair where I had to restrain myself from purchasing another letterpress book (i think I've found a new obsession) lol. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the city checking out antique shops and the Walkers Point Center for the Arts.
All and all these few days have been amazing! Today was the nicest its been, and I will probably miss the cold weather when I return to the heat in Austin. I won't be leaving until tomorrow evening, so I still have all day to check out some more stuff! Pics will be posted soon.
Ewa Budka who did a demo on MOKULITO, which uses wood as a printing matrix for lithography (a process developed by Ozaku Schisi), describes the process in this video.
Mokulito uses wood as a printing matrix instead of limestone. This technique was developed by Ozaku Schisi, professor from the University of Tama Bijutsu, Japan in the 1970's. Josef Budka has realized further development of this printing process in Poland. His daughter, Ewa Budka presented the process in collaboration with Jeffery Sippel.Ewa says that this process is for the artist who is not afraid of power and drawing. Jeff highlights the benefits of mokulito as being simple, straightforward, accessible, and economical.
This was by far my favorite demo today! Ewa's energy and excitement was infectious! She was buzzing around the studio,from one direction to the next encouraging members in the audience to come forward and get their hands dirty! Some helped prepare the surface of the wood, others drew onto the matrix, etc. I was amazed by the fact that you could use wood as a matrix to do lithography, granted that this printing process lends itself more towards monotype, but the results are interesting to say the least.
Below is a "how-to" on this printing process.
MOKULTIO: ABRIDGED
(1) Choose a surface to work on, plywood is good. Ewa recommends maple plywood, and to stray from pine. Different woods yield different results. Experiment!
(2) Grain the surface of the wood with sandpaper 220 grit, in a small circular motion, but do it fast! You want the surface of the wood to be nice and smooth. Polished!
(3) Draw onto the surface of the wood with any greasy substance, litho crayons, tusche, sharpie oil paint markers, or cut into the wood with wood cutting tools.
(4) Etch the drawing with gum arabic. Apply the gum with a sponge and allow it to dry for at least a day (although a few hours is good too, but the longer the better). Once it’s dry, wash out the gum arabic with cold water.
(5) Ink up the wood in the same way that you would a litho stone, but replace a roller with one of those nice cheap foam rollers from your local hardware store. The ink should be loose (not tacky). Ewa likes to use etching inks (due to their consistency) but any ink will do.
(6) Print!
Points to consider:
After you've etched the wood, and removed the gum arabic you need to print immediately. If I remember correctly, you cannot "close" the matrix and start printing again later. Also, you cannot re-sand the wood to make a new image or delete or make additions after the wood is etched. If you are using tusche, take care to allow it to fully dry before etching. The ink of the oil sharpie markers (depending on the color) will transfer to your print. The first impression is typically light, toss it, increase pressure/inking.During the printing process maintain the wood moist but not too wet and roll fast.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don't be afraid to drop us a line! I'd be more than happy to answer any questions or doubts.
Open portfolio was a lot of fun! It was great to see so many prints in one place, ask questions, and network with other people around town. However, if I ever have the opportunity to do this again, definitely going to sign up for SESSION 1 or 2!!!
I was really nervous at first. How do I introduce myself, what do I say about my work? But, it was really cool to see all of my prints on one table and realize that there is potential, however, I do have my work cut out for me!
And to anyone who picked up my card on the table, I put the wrong address for my tumblr on it. If by chance you are reading this, follow me on my tumblr: munkikatastic.tumblr.com
...it's kind of a work in progress right now, but I'll post my work on there soon!
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