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Hybrid Printmakers - Post-digital Printmaking Processes

10/10/2016

An MAPC 2016 Exhibition

Traditional printmaking is process-oriented. It relies on a series of intricate steps carried out by a printmaker to create an image. Similarly, computer-incorporated creation relies on preset methodologies from a computer for output. In their artwork, these three emerging artists undertake complex processes to combine both print and digital technologies. Each artist walks the line between what is purely mechanical and what is innately human.

This is an exhibition I curated! It was a part of the MAPC Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and was is on display at FirstBuild from October 1st to October 31st, 2016. FirstBuild is not a traditional gallery. They are a maker-space, so their front room was an interesting challenge for an art-show. We made it work well and the FristBuild team was an amazing help. Their staff is engineers, designers, scientists, students, and artists and they mainly work on projects for GE creating unique and innovative appliances (You'll see some of that influence in the pictures, they are very good at what they do!). They also take ideas from the public and work with community members to complete projects (What an amazing concept!!). Any community member can submit project ideas to FristBuild and get help completing the project from FristBuild staff or come in on their own to work. The resources are free to the public (you just buy material) and the space is open in the evenings. It is a phenomenal maker-space and the city of Louisville is lucky to have this resource. The space (as I'm remembering it) has several 3' x 4' bed laser-cutters, 4 or 5 MakerBot 3D printers, electronics prototyping center, hardware tools, Amanda Metal lasers, water-jet cutter, and several CNC machines (It was mightily impressive). (more info https://firstbuild.com/co-create/ ) Anyways, they are hoping to work more with artists so be on the look out for what they do next! They were excited to have our show in their space, and truly felt the artistic presence is a great inspiration to their work. I think the methodical approach to digital abstraction and the use and influence of digital technologies present in Elise Hanson, Jenny Harp, and my work complimented FirstBuild's workspace. And now a bunch of photos from the show! I'm also including still images of the prints from the show from Jenny and Elise's websites.