Letter press at The ARM, Brooklyn (Williamsburg)

On Feb 3&4, 2012, I travelled to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to print a few more compliments at the ARM. I had reserved a press for two afternoons, and basically wanted to print as many compliments within that time frame. I met Dan (the owner/manager of the place) on the Friday, and without any tips, orientation, or any guidance, I was directed to the SP1C press, and off I went... There were quite a few other people printing at he same time, and the atmosphere was quite different than what I was used to at Atelier Domino, where there is usually some Alain Bashung, or Jazz music playing while I set some type, and I am not concerned about timelines as I am renting the press for the day. Most of the others were all printing with polymer plates rather than setting type, which I can see why when you are renting by the hour... I searched through the wooden type drawers, and managed to make a few compliments on day one. These included a large Me & You print, and two compliments: "You are a 4 am phone call type of friend", and "You're Sweet". On Saturday, I managed to make three more compliments including one in Spanish and one in Italian. "Tu sei la mia Stella", and "De todas las flores tu eres la mas hermosa"... how could you not feel happy printing these?

Visit to Printed Matter Inc., NYC

While in New York City, I made a visit to Printed Matter Inc. in Chelsea, NYC. I had gone to the New York Artist Book Conference in 2009 (organized by Printed Matter Inc.), but did not have the chance to stop in. I was amazed by the amount of publications, and artist multiples... If you are ever in the neighbourhood and want to see a great collection a of artist books, and publications... this is the place to go! I ended up leaving with a few little artists books to add to my collection.

XOXO

latest XOXO print

Letterpress at Atelier Domino in Montreal

I've been renting studio time at Atelier Domino in Montreal in order to complete my series of letterpressed "Compliments". I love coming to this studio and using the Universal 1 (Vandercook Press) to make my limited edition prints. Stay tuned for show details coming up this spring. (and by the way... you look beautiful today!)

Taller Experimental de la Grafica, Havana, Cuba.

I had heard that this studio was a hidden gem near the catedral in Habana Vieja...and it's so true.

On my trip to Cuba in December 2011, I made my way to explore Taller Experimental de la Grafica, a print studio and gallery in the old part of Havana. It's quite impressive! In all, there are over 50 artist who work here, many of which were busy making prints on the thursday morning that I visited. There is also an art gallery on the second floor featuring the prints from the artists who create their work at the studio.

I was really impressed with the quality of work produced, and managed to select a few monotype prints from Guillermo Vantour Garcia. I found it hard to decide which ones to choose, they are all so beautiful... so I made my way back home with four of them.

If you are in Cuba, and love printmaking... definitely stop in for a visit.

Artist in Residence in Lecce, Italy

In October, 2011, I traveled to Italy to print a book for the National Gallery of Canada. I decided to research if perhaps there were some printmaking workshops in Italy around the same time, and turns out, there was one in Lecce the week after I was due to complete the press approvals. Perfect. I had never really heard of Lecce until I read about this artist in residence program with Primopiano LivinGallery Arte Contemporanea - a studio/gallery space in the south of Italy.

I decided to take a week of vacation and participate in Multi-plate Wood block print making workshop. The thought of collaborating with other artists, making art, visiting somewhere new, and coming back with some of my own prints sounded too good to be true.

And in a way... it was. I was hoping to meet other artists, and have the chance to socialize and explore Lecce with others in the evening... only to find out I was the only one who had signed up for the workshop. "Oh, Anne...not what you expected was it?" After traveling "sola" on many trips, I guess I was looking forward to meeting other artists. The hours for the workshop were also not what I was used to. Working 10-1 p.m., having a lunch break from 1-5 p.m., and then working again from 5-8 p.m. was not ideal for me considering I am the most productive early in the morning. And... did I mention the workshop was all in Italian???

In a way, I was disappointed to have been the only one in the course, but as Dores (the teacher) reminded me... that many artist dream to have an entire studio to themselves. I did learn lots of new tips from Dores, and managed to completely take over the studio space and press, and created whatever I wanted. I also reworked my hours by mid-week to something that worked best for me. The benefits of being the only one in the program!

Although I found carving wood to be quite difficult at first, the results on press are beautiful. During the week, I made several prints, including some patterns, my little espresso cups, the luce di lecce, and some multi-coloured plates.

Next trip... I might make sure there are other artists participating though.

Make your own gift wrap and cards at FLOCK boutique

This is the season to put your own stamp (literally!) on the gifts you give! The lovely and talented Anne will teach you the basics of block printing: you will carve out your own unique design and then print it onto paper and note cards. All tools, inks and paper provided. You will leave with 10 sheets of your own unique wrapping paper and a variety of cards. $48 + hst

flock boutique

Thursday oct 6th, 2011 6-9pm
Flock boutique
1275 wellington street west,
ottawa, info@flockboutique.ca