Polymer Plate Printmaking

I have a new project on the press bed.

With a proposed computer generated image of 18 repetitive, rotating motifs, I have begun to investigate of how best to print this 9x21 inch image. As a linoleum block printmaker, this project posed a real challenge in the craft of precision for image transfering and block cutting.

When I began to ponder the linocut project, immediately a murder of nay sayer demons were flying around in my head, saying 'You got to be joking'! 'No way'! And I kinda agreed with them.

Enter the idea of using polymer plates. Surfing the web, I found Boxcar Press in Syracuse, New York. http://www.boxcarpress.com/ I am a complete ignoramous regarding how this comtemporary letterpress method is produced but... the printing of these plates is similiar to the printing my linocut blocks.



In the following weeks, I will be blogging about this investigation.


Susan Jaworski-Stranc

Nov. 17th meeting at Indigo Studio and plans for the future

Printmakers met last week at Mary Pollak's Indigo Studio and had a productive discussion about plans for future exhibitions. The discussion was twofold:
1. Possible venues for a 2011 show and development of a proposal. Members will research proposal requirements and dates.

2. Packaging our 2010 NAA show for maximum exposure and sales. Ideas included publicity on local cable station and newspaper reviews, short-term rental of the upstairs Hartson Gallery for a weekend Print Fair, focus on education through gallery talks and wall statements, and lots of bin work.

The group won't meet in December, but will devote the January meeting to planning and proposal development.


Recommended museum exhibitions re Prints:

MFA "Albrecht Durer"- Gallery talk Dec. 3rd 11:00

CURRIER MUSEUM Manchester NH "Print Collection of David and Barbara Stahl" through Jan. 3rd.

Holiday Saturdays at Indigo Artist Studio

Indigo Artist Studio will host Holiday Saturdays in December from
10-5 on December 5,12,19. The studio is working and gallery space
for artists, Mary Arthur Pollak and Lillian M. Coolidge, and features
monotype, mixed media, and oils in a variety of sizes and prices for
your home and gift giving.

Especially for the holidays are small monotype collages on canvas by
Mary Arthur Pollak. These pieces are monotype prints and other
collected textures, arranged with reminiscence of detail found in
ethnic and historical design. A broad collection of framed monotype
and mixed media landscapes and collages will also be available.

Also on exhibit are a selection of intimate landscapes in oil by
Lillian Coolidge. Her work depicts peaceful and beautiful spaces as
well as the power and raw beauty of nature. She describes her
paintings as meditations that offers the viewer a chance to rest and
wander within the space.

Indigo Artist Studio is at 53 Middle Street (just past Fair St.) in
Newburyport. To celebrate the holidays there will be a special
Artist's Reception on Dec. 5 from 4-6 with food and drink and open to the public. The studio is handicapped accessible and otherwise open by appointment or by chance. Call 978-500-0564 for information.

November Meeting @ Indigo Studio

A reminder about our meeting next Tuesday, November 17th, at Indigo Studio (53 Middle Street, Newburyport) at 10:00 AM.

The plan is to experiment with a "credit card press" to create miniature relief prints. Linda, can you bring your press and Sue J-S, did you say you had one and/or instructions for use?? We all need to make a credit card thin relief plate (e.g. cardboard or super-thin plexi collagraph, carborundum, or collage). I'm not sure what maximum size should be... how much larger than a credit card?

I'll bring some extra materials so we can also make them on Tuesday.  We'll also be discussing plans for our 2010 show. I just received an e-mail from Carol re NAA Interest Group applications and we need to make a decision by the end of the year. Several members have been looking into alternate venues, but these look more likely for the following year.

Remember to bring work to share!