Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem

By: Ann Shafer curator and print evangelist
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  • Summary

  • Why do fine art prints (etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, screenprints, etc.) and printmaking draw such fervent practitioners, collectors, and fans? Find out how prints were the first internet disseminating images since the mid-15th century. Find out why it takes a village to make, sell, study, and collect these affordable beauties. Who are all these people in the print ecosystem, anyway? Series one looks at prints and printmaking and how they fit in in the context of museums, the market, critiques, and the print ecosystem. Series two offers a history of prints and printmaking in the West. Series three offers interviews with the people who perform various roles in the print ecosystem. Join us and find out why prints and printmaking occupy the best little corner of the art world. We'll turn you into a fan, too. Platemark offers a bit of art history, artistic creativity, and introduces listeners to artists, printers, dealers, print publishers, gallerists, art historians, curators, and scholars. Host Ann Shafer is a curator specializing in prints and printmaking. Formerly she was a curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. She's a podcaster, blogger, and organizer of the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair (baltimoreprintfair.com).
    Ann Shafer
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Art World
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Episodes
  • s3e72 on color and abstraction with Jonathan Higgins, owner of Manneken Press

    s3e72 on color and abstraction with Jonathan Higgins, owner of Manneken Press
    Jan 14 2025
    In this episode of Platemark, Jonathan Higgins discusses his journey as the owner and master printer of Manneken Press, established in 2000 in Bloomington, Illinois. We talk about his early life in Berkeley, California, his initial interest in art and ceramics, and his transition to printmaking. After exploring lithography and working for various artists and print workshops in New York, including at Galamander Press with Randy Hemminghaus, he eventually founded Manneken Press. Jonathan shares insights into the operational strategies, collaborative projects with artists, challenges with photogravure, and his approach to publishing and curating prints. He also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on his work processes and future projects, while emphasizing the importance of selecting artists whose work resonates with him. The interview concludes with a reflection on the evolution of Manneken Press and Jonathan's current focus and achievements. Episode photo by: Matt Shrier https://mannekenpress.com/ Blog: https://mannekenpress.com/news-the-manneken-press-blog/ Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/partner/manneken-press Printed Editions: https://www.printed-editions.com/gallery/manneken-press/ IG: @mannekenpress IG: jonathiggins Platemark website Sign-up for Platemark emails Leave a 5-star review Support the show Get your Platemark merch Check out Platemark on Instagram Join our Platemark group on Facebook Philip Van Keuren (American, born 1948). Snowstorm, 2016. Photogravure. 14 x 18 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Philip Van Keuren (American, born 1948). Tulips, 2019. Photogravure. 18 x 14 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium. Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium. Shrine to Manneken Pis at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Rupert Deese (American, born 1952). Array 1000/Dark Blue, 2011. Woodcut. 45 x 45. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Ted Kincaid (American, born 1966). Nest 920, 2008. Etching. Plate: 20 x 16 in.; sheet: 25 x 21 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). (L–R) Bugs, Drugs, Plugs, 2021. Set of three aquatints. Each: 21 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Lunar Lantern, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Mind Gap, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Winter Pool, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Preparing to print the plate for the watercolor monotype Foursquare Foresworn by Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Foursquare Foresworn, 2020. Watercolor monotype. 22 x 30 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Detail of watercolor monotype Old Glory, right after printing. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Old Glory, 2020. Watercolor monotype. 22 x 30 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Inner Vision, 2020. Suite of 9 watercolor monotypes. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jill Moser (American, born 1956) working on the plates for Chroma Six in her Long Island City studio. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jill Moser (American, born 1956). Chroma Six, 2019. Suite of six color aquatints. Each: 23 1/2 x 20 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) stopping out a copper plate with asphaltum at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). Detail of a plate with soap ground applied prior to etching at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) plates with soap ground applied prior to etching at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). The first plate of Prospect inked and ready to print at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). The second plate of Prospect inked and ready to print at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jonathan Higgins pulling a color proof of Prospect, an etching by Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jonathan Higgins pulling a color proof of Prospect with all 10 colors, an etching by Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press. Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). Working proof of Prospect, 2024. 2-plate aquatint. Plate: 21 x 18 in.; sheet: 26 1/2 x 23 in. Published by Manneken Press. ...
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • s3e71 double-drop printing with artist Art Werger

    s3e71 double-drop printing with artist Art Werger
    Dec 31 2024
    In this episode of Platemark, I interview Art Werger, a renowned printmaker and retired professor from Ohio University. We discuss Art’s extensive experience and techniques in printmaking, focusing on his work in etching and mezzotint. Art shares his innovative approaches to color experimentation and his use of unique methods like double dropping, cut plates, and à la poupée inking. We also talk about Art’s artistic journey, his teaching experiences, working with litho crayon and white ground techniques, and his projects, including a series of circus-related prints and illustrations for 'The Godfather.' The episode concludes with Art offering to donate prints to educators reflecting his generous spirit and commitment to the printmaking community and highlighting the importance of supporting printmaking in an era dominated by digital techniques. Episode photo by Karla Hackenmiller https://artwerger.com/ IG @artwerger https://www.etsy.com/market/art_werger Platemark website Sign-up for Platemark emails Leave a 5-star review Support the show Get your Platemark merch Check out Platemark on Instagram Join our Platemark group on Facebook Art Werger (American, born 1955). Still Pictures, from a 2020 Instagram post. 99 mezzotints with mouse bites. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Still Pictures, 2005. 99 mezzotints with mouse bites. 25 ½ x 25 ½ in. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Exposure, 2023. 1-plate color etching and aquatint, sugar lift, white ground, and softground etching, printed twice (warm and cool colors—double drop method). Courtesy of the Artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7P_Q9hqVuY&t=401s Carding on cool colors on Exposure, 2023. Carding on cool colors on Exposure, 2023. Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching. Courtesy of the Artist. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3LqKuhRTnd/ Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching (grid inked in warm colors for color tests). Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching (grid inked in cool colors for color tests). Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Staggering Shambonys, 1981. Color etching and aquatint. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Don’t Invite the Ringlings to Dinner, 2024. Color etching. 22 x 17 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Binge and Purge from The Godfather, 2024. Mezzotint. 9 ½ x 6 ¼ in. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Circus, 2024. Color etching (6 cut plates). 18 x 22 in. Courtesy of the Artist. A la poupée inking cut plate for Circus, 2024. Courtesy of the Artist. Stencil inking cut plate for Circus, 2024. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Balance, 2024. Color etching. 20 x 13 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Hibiscus, 2021/22. Color etching and aquatint. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Montauk drawings, 2023. Prismacolor pencils on black paper. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). Nocturnal, 2024. Etching. 29 x 22 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). McMansions, 2019. Aquatint. 18 x 16 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Godfather, 2024. Portfolio of 16 mezzotints. Courtesy of the Artist.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • s3e70 deep deep dive on screenprinting with Leslie Diuguid

    s3e70 deep deep dive on screenprinting with Leslie Diuguid
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode Platemark, I talk with Leslie Diuguid, owner and founder of Do-Good Press in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Leslie shares her journey as a screenprinter and discusses the intricacies of screenprinting, including processes, challenges, and the nuances of halftone and moiré patterns. We talk about how much math comes into the enterprise, especially about the relationship of mesh counts of screens and the frequency modulation of dot patterns. We explore Leslie's deep connection with her community, her unique approach to remembering names by sketching neighborhood visitors, and her experiences moving from a bedroom workshop to a storefront space. Leslie also details various projects, such as printing on glass, working with unique materials, and producing one-off prints in collaboration with artists like Selena Kimball and Rose Salane. We touch on the importance of sharing knowledge, community engagement, and the future of printmaking. This enriching conversation highlights Leslie's passion for her craft and her innovative contributions to the printmaking world. https://du-goodpress.com/ IG @dugoodpress IG @little_mouse_diuguid Article in Bomb Magazine about Selena Kimball: https://bombmagazine.org/articles/2023/09/20/selena-kimball-interviewed/ Leslie's Omaha show: https://www.u-ca.org/exhibition/meet-me-at-the-fence-ok-bye Nyssa Chow information: https://www.tellinghistories.com/trace Du-Good Press published Simon Benjamin's Crown and Anchor, which was acquired by the Perez Art Museum: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDNPhswRslT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Platemark website Sign-up for Platemark emails Leave a 5-star review Support the show Get your Platemark merch Check out Platemark on Instagram Join our Platemark group on Facebook Leslie Diuguid priming canvas with open mesh at Du-Good Press, Brooklyn, NY. One-off set up for artist Simon Benjamin at Du-Good Press, Brooklyn, NY. Shepard Fairey. Tribal Anniversary, 2024. Screenprint. 24 x 18 in. Signari Gallery, Temecula, CA. Selena Kimball standing on screenprinting table getting ready to work with Andrea “Nina” Knoll in the background. Selena Kimball inspecting work in progress. Andrea “Nina” Knoll pouring ink as Selena Kimball holds the squeegee and prepares to print. Selena Kimball with Leslie Diuguid pointing out details in Selena's work in progress. Installation shot of Leslie Diuguid’s exhibition, Meet me at the fence ok bye. February 10–April 13, 2024. The Union for Contemporary Art, Omaha. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). Eduardo, Chanel, and Jessica, 2024. Screenprints on canvas (12 x 12 in. each) installed in Leslie Diuguid’s exhibition, Meet me at the fence ok bye. February 10–April 13, 2024. The Union for Contemporary Art, Omaha. Courtesy of the Artist. Installation shot of Leslie Diuguid’s exhibition, Meet me at the fence ok bye. February 10–April 13, 2024. The Union for Contemporary Art, Omaha. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). 12,528, 2024. Screenprint on canvas. 30 x 40 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Installation shot of Leslie Diuguid’s exhibition, Meet me at the fence ok bye. February 10–April 13, 2024. The Union for Contemporary Art, Omaha. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). These Are Leslie’s Hands, 2024. Screenprint on canvas. 30 x 40 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). Screamie, 2024. Screenprint. 30 x 40 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). Emily, 2024. Screenprint. 30 x 40 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Leslie Diuguid (American, born 1986). 942-0733, 2024. Screenprint. 30 x 40 in. Courtesy of the Artist. Rose Salane. 64,000 Attempts at Circulation, 2022. Five screenprints, counterfeit metal coins, and steel tables. Overall: 106 13/16 × 232 × 131 in. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Tiona Nekkia McClodden. Black Insanity on the Ledge of a Death Star, 2022. 2-color screenprint. 18 x 24 in. Printed by Du-Good Press; published by 52 Walker. Alake Schilling (American, born 1993). Spotty Dotty Dog House, 2023. Color screenprint. 16 x 16 in. Published by Printed Matter; printed by Du-Good Press, Brooklyn. Printed Matter Char Jeré. The Periodic Table of Black Revolutionaries, 2021. 10-color screenprint. 18 x 24 in. Printed and published by Du-Good Press, Brooklyn. Kai Jenrette (American, born 2001). I’m Perfect Life’s Perfect I Love Being Me, 2024. 2-color screenprinted zine. Unfolded: 16 x 20 in. Printed and published by Du-Good Press, Brooklyn.
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    1 hr and 33 mins

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