Printmakingblog

ARE YOU A FAN?

2009-11-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned from time to time that I am at best, challenged when it comes to technology. Frankly, that's giving me the benefit of an enormous doubt, but hey, it's my blog afterall!

I have just recently become aware of social networks like Facebook and Inkteraction. Somehow I find it weird to have to write to someone and ask them to be my friend. It kind of takes me back to first grade (I didn't go to Kindergarten because in the tiny town that I grew up in, only the private school had Kindergarten).

The social networks are humbling to say the least. I like to think that everybody knows Graphic Chemical & Ink Company and, by extension, me. That just ain't the case! Every once in a while, a friend request comes back with a message along the lines of, " who in the world are you?"

I recently returned from a trip that was mostly vacation. Vacations in the Clark family are trips where you see fewer customers than usual, but always find some printmakers. I was lucky enough to run into an art fair at our hotel, the day we left. Most of the art was made of local crafts...very well made, but for the most part, not my style. There was one artist, however, that had some truly amazing woodcuts. We had an opportunity to chat for a few minutes about her work...and of course, I saw it as an opportunity to suggest that we knew a little something about inks and papers as well.

Her artwork was truly incredible, but what most impressed me (or maybe it was depressed me) was that not only that she didn't know anything about Graphic Chemical, but that she was buying someone else's ink from one of our distributors.

So, we've still got a long way to go. But, for those of you who have heard of us (and I assume that means anyone reading this blog), I have a suggestion that should benefit you in the long run. Go to the following address: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graphic-Chemical-Ink-Company/198706769147?v=wall and become a fan of Graphic Chemical & Ink Company.

We've had a great response so far, and hope that it will continue. Fans of GC&I will be eligible for special offers (there's one in place right now!) and more.

STUDENT SHOW - Art as Activism

2009-11-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Murray State University student Stacey Reason received a fellowship to curate a national juried exhibition of student (undergrad & grad) work related to art as activism. More information can be found at the project website (below). If you are a student making work related to activism and social change, please enter. If you teach, please encourage students to enter. There is no entry fee!!

If you have questions, please contact Stacey directly. Her contact info can be found here:

www.processimpact.blogspot.com

MFA PRINTMAKING at Illinois State University

2009-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

MASTER OF FINE ARTS DEGREE IN

PRINTMAKING

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

NORMAL, ILLINOIS

PROGRAM

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Printmaking at Illinois State University (ISU) is a professional degree program consisting of sixty hours and it emphasizes both theory and practice in the production, history, and teaching of the visual arts. Participation in internship or apprenticeship experience is expected, and the exhibition and demonstration of the student’s competency and intellectual maturity are requirements for graduation. A written project and an oral examination of the intellectual implications of the candidate’s work are also required.

A typical program of sixty hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree will include courses in the studio arts, art history, internship / apprenticeship, electives and culminating experience (comprehensive exhibition of studio work, oral examination, and written project).

PHILOSOPHY

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate artistic proficiency in printmaking as they are encouraged to explore conceptual directions in the other media. In addition to the students’ concentration in printmaking, a broad range of technical and aesthetic criticism is provided by faculty members in the two-dimensional area of the School of Art. Expertise in printmaking, drawing, painting, photography, and video is provided by this area, which coordinates its efforts with the four other areas in the School (3-D [sculpture, glass, metal, clay, wood], Graphic Design, Art History [including Visual Culture], and Art Education).

The printmaking faculty is committed to individual artistic development and we direct our teaching methodology toward nurturing artists who learn to explore personal experiences, studies, and directions in their work. The faculty believes in providing a facility, an environment, and experiences that will encourage the student’s artistic development. The faculty strives to maintain a professional atmosphere in the organization and maintenance of the studios.

Visiting artists with diverse artistic backgrounds interact with the students through individual and group critiques, lectures, demonstrations, publishing, and research print projects. Visiting artist programs provide continuing interchange between the disciplines in the School of Art at ISU.

FACILITIES

The intaglio studio is approximately 2,500 square feet in size. There are a 36" × 62" Brand etching press, a 16" × 30" Brand etching press, a 25" × 48" Takach etching press, an 18" × 36" Takach etching press, and a 43" × 84" Takach etching press. There are complete etching and aquatint facilities, adequate storage, and several glass-covered printing stations built into the shop. Substantial space and equipment, including a good selection of large rollers, are provided for experimental work as well as traditional approaches. The studio is equipped for copper and zinc etching, photo etching (using solar plates and Image-on film), monotype, and relief printing.

The lithography studio is approximately 2,500 square feet in size. There are a 36" × 60" Brand lithography press and two 34" × 60" Takach lithography presses, all with counter-weighted tympans for proofing and editioning. There are nearly two hundred lithographic stones available, ranging in sizes from 9" × 12" to 30" × 40". There is a 4' × 18' graining sink and six levigators. There are two stone / aluminum plate processing tables in the press room and another in the ventilation / exposure room. There are small and large diameter rollers, leather rollers, lightweight Takach platebases (30" × 40") and a wide variety of color inks available. Negative and positive working photo-litho plates are used. There is a special room for ventilating fumes during processing, which also includes an enlarger and a 33" × 42 ½" Nu Arc vacuum frame.

There is a complete letterpress facility with an electric Vandercook press, housed in its own room for student use. It is capable of printing 18" × 24" with type in a variety of styles and sizes available. The print area is currently developing its own computer facility and has an Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printer (which accommodates paper 17” wide) and an Epson Expression 10000 XL scanner (with a 12” X 17” bed) for graduate use. There is an additional computer facility just down the hall, which includes state of the art computers and software. There are black and white and color printers, 11" × 17".

The Graduate Studio Building is off campus, and it was created for all of the MFA students in the School of Art. This space has electric tools, a wood shop, and two large rooms set aside for installations and critique spaces. This situation allows the 2D and 3D students to interact with each other and the faculty.

The gallery space in the School of Art is unique. There are specially curated exhibitions by the director, Barry Blinderman and his staff, usually in Gallery I—the main gallery. Every other year there is a graduate exhibition in that space. The alternate year is the faculty exhibition. Every spring, Gallery I showcases the annual all student exhibition, and Galleries II and III have many student exhibitions during the year. All BFA and MFA students have one-person exhibitions to complete their degree requirements. An annual student exhibition in the spring calls for entries from all students in the studio and graphic design areas, with works selected by nationally known guest jurors.

There are other opportunities to exhibit in the community as well. The McLean County Arts Center and the Transpace Gallery (the latter is exclusive to ISU students) have regularly scheduled exhibitions. Also, Illinois Wesleyan University has a gallery and guest artists.

There are numerous major universities in the area. Chicago and St. Louis are about 2 ½ hours away and there are group trips arranged for special exhibitions.

NORMAL EDITIONS WORKSHOP:

PUBLISHING AND RESEARCH IN PRINTMAKING

The Normal Editions Workshop (NEW) is a non-profit printmaking workshop and research facility founded in Illinois State University in September 1976. This is an enrichment program for the education of our students. It augments the educational goals of the University and:

1. provides students an opportunity to work with and observe visiting artists within a professional workshop situation;

2. provides works of art for study collections and traveling exhibitions to promote visual dialogue among a variety of audiences;

3. provides custom printing services for artists throughout the United States (Kiki Smith, David Wojnarowicz, Arturo Herrera, Julia Fish, Sidney Goodman, Keith Jacobshagen, Donald Lipski, Dennis Oppenheim, Richard Rezac, John Himmelfarb, Hector Duarte, Rodney Carswell, and others);

4. provides advanced printmaking students the opportunity to participate in the NEW special projects class in addition to the Graduate Assistantship for NEW.

NEW has a 34" × 60" Takach motorized lithography press, preparation and printing areas, office space, print storage files, and a general work area.

NEW staff and student interns assist with the organization of the printmaking area’s annual print sale and exhibition, which includes prints by students and faculty in the School of Art. Faculty and student participation—and community involvement—are key elements in the ongoing success of the event. Most of the sales, which can total $5,000 or more, are paid to the artists / participants and some of the proceeds are donated to the program.

CURRENT FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard D. Finch, Professor of Art (teaches drawing) and Director of NEW

MFA, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 1976

National Endowment for the Arts Artists’ Fellowship (1983-84)

Illinois Arts Council: Co-Director Program Grants (FY97-10)

Illinois Arts Council: Artist Fellowship / Finalist Award (1993)

Veda Rives, Associate Director of NEW

MA, Illinois State University, 1992

BFA, Illinois Wesleyan University, 1981

Illinois Arts Council: Co-Director Program Grants (FY97-10)

Sarah Smelser, Associate Professor of Art (teaches intaglio)

MFA, University of Iowa, 1997

MA, University of Iowa, 1996

Mid-America Print Council President (2006-08)

Tim Van Ginkel, Visiting Assistant Professor (teaches lithography)

MA, University of Iowa, 2007

MFA, University of Iowa, 2008

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, WORK STUDIES, AND TUITION WAIVERS

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available in the printmaking area and in other areas of the School of Art. Graduate assistants maintain the printmaking studios and assist in teaching introductory courses in printmaking. Currently, the assistantship includes a stipend of $850/month plus a full tuition waiver. In addition, a limited amount of work-study funding is available for qualified applicants.

Scholarships and talent grants in the School of Art, which can total $65,000-$85,000 per year, are awarded to graduate and undergraduate students who exemplify the highest artistic and scholastic achievements. These scholarships and grants are awarded in the spring during the ISU Student Annual exhibition. The NEW Scholarship for outstanding artistic ability and performance in printmaking—based on portfolio review—is awarded also at that time.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Applicants should contact the Graduate School for admission procedures and requirements. Access information on the web at: http://www.ilstu.edu and http://www.cfa.ilstu.edu/art/mfa. Email: gradart@ilstu.edu.

Address correspondence to:

The Graduate School

Campus Box 4040

Hovey 309

Illinois State University

Normal, IL 61790-4040

Telephone (309) 438-2583

Specific inquiries related to the MFA in printmaking can be directed to:

Richard D. Finch (309) 438-7530 rdfinch@ilstu.edu

Veda Rives (309) 438-7530 vrives@ilstu.edu

Sarah Smelser (309) 438-8535 ssmelse@ilstu.edu

Tim Van Ginkel (309) 438-7837 tvangin@ilstu.edu

Becky Fisher, School of Art (309) 438-2728 gradart@ilstu.edu

WHAT A YEAR

2009-10-27T07:06:00.001-07:00

2009 has been quite a year, and while it's not over yet, I feel compelled to at least begin a retrospective.

Susan and I have been traveling more than usual, and some of it was actually vacation for a change. It's not that we're workaholics, but in this industry, it's almost impossible to travel somewhere without running into printmakers, usually without trying too hard.

January saw a last minute trip with friends to Orlando - and no, we didn't go to Disney World. Our friends are avid golfers and saw Orlando as heaven on earth. I, personally, think that golf is a four letter word. I was impressed with the fact that even the golf carts have GPS's on them. It's sad that my golf balls didn't have one too.

Later in the month, we were off to Frankfurt, Germany for the Paperworld show. This is likely the largest art materials show in the world, coupled with a larger office supply show, a beauty show and a Christmas show...it's just huge. We managed to find several new products which you will (or in some cases, already have) find very interesting. New products include two lines of brayers from England along with several safety supplies, and a remarkable 3 in 1 tool set that serves as a plastic baren, cutting tool set, and hand stamper.

March brought the Southern Graphics Council show in Chicago, which had the best attendance of any SGC show ever.

May represnted a personal milestone, but one which many of you are probably grateful for. I decided to retire from the Illinois State Board of Education after almost 6 1/2 years. Served with three Governors (1 in jail, 1 headed that way, and 1 still with a clean reputation), three State Superintendents and 16 different colleagues on the Board.

Never one to let too much grass grow under my feet, I have already added two activities to fill the gap. I agreed to be appointed by the current Governor to the Education Funding Advisory Board, a board I served on from 2000-2003, and I have agreed to serve on the Midwest Regional Board for a non-profit group called Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.

It's just never dull around here. September took us back to the IMPACT show in Bristol, England. This was the 6th show that they've had, and we've attended 5. In two years we'll be in Melbourne, Australia and two years after that it looks like Dundee, Scotland is slated for IMPACT 8.

The Fall has been busy for the family with weddings (my niece), births (nephew's wife) and a trip around the World (another nephew) We've got one more trip planned for November, and then by golly, we're staying home - at least for a little while.

Oh, I almost forgot the picture at the top. That's my youngest grandson, Noah. This fearless mountain climber got up on the counters in Mom & Dad's kitchen, got into the cinnamon, and then posed for the picture!

IMPACT 6 RECAP

2009-09-23T07:07:00.001-07:00

What a show, you should have been there! IMPACT 6 was everything that we expected and more. The attendance was pegged at 410 artists and about a dozen vendors, over the two days of the Product Fair.

To add to the excitement, it was the weekend that students arrived on campus at the University of the West of England (UWE). "Fresher" events were numerous for the first year students. The City of Bristol, has undergone numerous changes in the 10 years since we last visited. It's a very vibrant modern city clothed in a medieval architecture.

We were fortunate enough to visit our good friends from Caligo on Friday evening. Joining us for a truly wonderful evening were representatives from our two UK distributors (T.N. Lawrence and Intaglio Printmaker) and family and staff of the gang at Caligo.

During the show, we introduced some stunning new German brayers that were really a hit with the artists at the show. We're still awaiting delivery to our shop, but we sold several in Bristol from the manufacturer's stock.

We also had an opportunity to travel for the first time to Scotland. One of the highlights was visiting with our friends Robert Adam and Carol Robertson, co-authors of two very successful books on printmaking: Screenprinting and Intaglio. These books are the definitive sources on some of the new less toxic printmaking techniques. We spent two days in the Edinburgh area followed by a day in Glasgow touring the brand new Glasgow Printmakers Co-op facilities and those at the Glasgow College of Art. What great facilities and staff that were generous with their time and proud of the places they work.

All in all, we had a very successful show and can't wait for Impact 7 in Melbourne, Australia - you should join us.

POSITIONS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

2009-09-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

This posting is a little bit late, but I just got it. It's a interesting opportunity for those of you with an adventuresome spirit.

From Ray Henshaw, Belfast Printmaking Workshop:

Please spread the word about these job offers, its important that we in BPW encourage people from outside to apply for the jobs. best wishes Raymond

Event Description:
belfastprintworkshop
Workshop Technical Manager

Purpose of post: To provide technical support and advise to all workshop members and work closely in collaboration with visiting artists in all areas of printmaking. To manage, maintain and develop the Workshop area with particular attention to Health & Safety legislation. To edition artists work through the expansion of the BPW editioning service. To assist in widening the workshop international reputation through exhibitions, residencies and opportunities for artists. And to manage the BPW archive of prints.

Salary: £20,000 Details from www.belfastprintworkshop.org.uk
Deadline 25th September 2009 4pm

Workshop Director Maternity Cover
(Secondments considered)
Purpose of post:
Maintain BPW programme for 2010, manage staff and volunteers, budget and finances, project manage activities, monitor the BPW Gallery, assist in fundraising and the ability to maintain/build on BPW reputation and programme.

Salary: £25,000-28,000 based on experience
6 months initial contract with possible extension
Details from www.belfastprintworkshop.org.uk
Deadline 25th September 2009 4pm

Administration Assistant
Purpose of post:
To assist the Belfast Print Workshop Director in administration duties to include finances, income & expenditure management, invoicing systems, stock control, report writing, research, evaluation and data management. An assist in exhibition preparation.
8 hours per week - in the first instance with possible extension throughout the year for specific activities. Flexible working hours available. Salary £7/hr
Details: www.belfastprintworkshop.org.uk
Deadline 18th September 2009 4pm
(Belfast Print Workshop is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community)

See more details and RSVP on INKTERACTION!:
http://inkteraction.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2282011%3AEvent%3A152357&xgi=1V2zNV4YBxnFmc

ARTIST IN RESIDENCY

2009-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

2010 Artist-In-Residence Application As a courtesy to our good friends at Anchor Graphics, I am posting their recent e-mail in it's entirety. This program has been very well accepted and appreciated in recent years.

Anchor Graphics at Columbia College Chicago
2010 Artist-In-Residence Application
Deadline: October 18, 2009

Each year Anchor Graphics welcomes 6 Artists-In-Residence into our printshop for 3 week residencies. This program is offered to artists who are proficient in printmaking and who want an uninterrupted stretch of time to develop a body of print-based work. Anchor will provide residents with basic materials, shop access, the technical assistance of our master printers, editioning assistance from our interns, and a small honorarium. In exchange, resident artists are expected to interact with students in Anchor Graphics and Columbia College printmaking classes, present a public lecture on their work, and donate a few prints created during their residency to the Anchor Graphics archives. This program was started as a service to emerging and established artists who have demonstrated a strong interest in printmaking and might not otherwise have regular access to professional presses and equipment. It is open to all experienced printmakers including those living in the Chicago area.

Please note: Anchor Graphics' ability to provide housing and the amount of honorariums is dependent on a constantly changing funding situation and may vary from year to year. Anchor Graphics does not cover travel expenses.

To apply please email:
-10 digital images (please send JPEGs, no Power Point presentations or PDFs, and make sure your images can be opened on a Mac.)
-image list
-curriculum vitae (with contact info: email, phone number, and mailing address)
-artist's statement
-a brief narrative about the project you will be working on during your residency

additional materials will not be reviewed

email required items to:
anchorgraphics@colum.edu

Applications for 2010 residencies must be received by midnight on October 18, 2009.
A review committee will select artist in November. Notifications will be set out through email in December.

James Iannaccone
Assistant to the Director
Anchor Graphics at Columbia College Chicago
623 S. Wabash Ave., Room 201
Chicago, IL 60605
312-369-6864
www.colum.edu/anchorgraphics

KEYS AND OTHER WORDS

2009-08-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am so rarely stunned into silence, but they got to me today. The phone call started out like the possible solution to a problem that has plagued us for several years. This nice young man was willing, for a fee, to insure top of the page placement on internet searches for Graphic Chemical. We know that we are a world leader in printmaking supplies, and probably the majority of printmakers in the US do too.

Internationally, printmakers recognize our name as a manufacturer of inks etc, but they tend to purchase from local distributors. In order to grow our business, the internet exposure seemed like just the ticket. Then reality reared its ugly head.

I sent the list of key words off to this nice young man named Joe. The list was kind of a no-brainer, terms like:

                                  
 Japanese paper                            printmaking supplies
 paper                                         handmade paper
specialty paper                            ink rollers
 printmaking paper                       plastic plates
screen printing ink                       etching ink
 Graphic Chemical                        Stones Crayons
 hand made paper                        intaglio
litho plates                                 litho stones
 collograph                                  zinc plates
copper plates                             Speedball
Akua Kolor                                 Akua Intaglio
Charbonnel                                etching tools
  ImagOn Film

and so on. We could have come up with a hundred words easily. The problem is
that the cost involved with this was along the lines of the cost of another
employee! Here's the rub... if I do that we'll get great placement for whatever
period of time we choose. As a lawyer friend of mine once told me, he defends
his clients until their last dime. Joe would have pushed our placements right up
to my last dime. Well, guess who ends up paying for our indulgence? That's right
 ....you do!

Don't worry we won't go that route, we'll have to find a better way to let our
customers know what a great deal we can offer them. Any suggestions?

ART IN NEW ZEALAND

2009-08-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to be an internationally acclaimed artist? Well, here's your chance to start down that road. I am posting this, pretty much as it was received in hopes that some of you will consider submitting prints to Art at Wharepuke.

Kerikeri
Bay of Islands
New Zealand

Art at Wharepuke

Open Submission International Print Show

Details>

Open Submission NZ Print Show/USA Exchange

Entry Form Link>

Selected works will feature in a representative exhibition of New Zealand printmaking at Art at Wharepuke Gallery, Kerikeri, New Zealand and will then be sent as part of an exchange exhibition to The Gallery at Zea Mays Printmaking, Massachusetts, U.S.A. http://www.zeamaysprintmaking.com

The Wharepuke Print Studio and Zea Mays Printmaking are dedicated to non toxic and safer, green printmaking respectively. Whilst submitted work can be made with any recognised printmaking technique non toxic processes are encouraged.

Exhibition dates:
Art at Wharepuke, NZ – 18th December 2009 – 18th January 2010
The Gallery at Zea Mays Printmaking, USA – early 2010

Entry Requirements:
Send:

Images of 3 works, in any recognised printmaking technique (intaglio, relief, planographic, digital) – no giclée reproductions - as Jpegs on CD

Paper size (210 x 297 mm) to fit A4 frame (work will be floated)

Completed application form and CV/Bio

Entry fee of NZ$50.00. (This covers both exhibitions - framing, postage to USA, return of works, advertising and admin)

Cheques Payable to: Wharepuke Print Studio
or by direct credit to: ANZ Kerikeri 010382-0082741-00 (please include NZ OPEN PRINT as reference)

If accepted for exhibition 6 of each selected work will be required to be sent flat packed by Monday December 7th; framing will be undertaken by the galleries.

DEADLINE FOR CD ENTRIES: October 31st 2009

Entry Form Link>

Art in New Zealand
Art at Wharepuke
190 Kerikeri Road Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand 0230
From overseas Ph +64 9 407 8933 within New Zealand Ph 09 407 8933
e-mail us

KICKING & SCREAMING ....

2009-07-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

Years ago, I had frequent discussions with my father that usually ended with me threatening to drag him, kicking and screaming into the 19th century. He'd always say, "you mean the 20th century." My usual response was that I had, indeed meant the 19th!

Well, there are those around Graphic these days that believe that I'm need to follow my own advice. They're wrong, of course, but I decided to offer at least one product that I'd sworn I wouldn't. At the right you see a Badger Air Brush and Compressor which is a top of the line product. We talked with the folks at Badger for a couple of months to insure that this was what our customers needed.

So what possible reason would a printmaker have to purchase an air brush? The first thing that comes to mind would be to apply the Lascaux A.R.E. products - specifically the Aquatint Spray Resist. The very first time I used an air brush was in the studio at Lascaux, learning to do just that. You might be tempted to ask, "How difficult is it?". Funny you should ask, because one of the least artistic people I know (that would be yours truly) picked it up like a duck to water.

This airbrush is a joy to work with. All of the guesswork is gone, plug it in and away you go. Even I had a hard time screwing it up...o.k. one minor flaw figuring out how to make the trigger work, but one of my kids showed me how to do it.

While I'm waxing poetic about products, the 2009-10 Graphic Chemical & Ink Company catalog should be ready to hit the streets fairly soon - probably in August. We expect to have many new items, a slightly changed format. more pictures, more color, and all for the same low price - free.

Since we've hired outside help to help us with the catalog, we anxious to get feedback from customers about what they like and, heaven forbid, don't like. Next step will be to update the website in similar fashion. Like I said, they're dragging me kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

2009-10 CATALOG

2009-07-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

We are in the final stages of production for the next edition of Graphic Chemical & Ink Co's Printmakers Materials catalog.

I am usually surprised at the list of new items that have found their way into the catalog. It shouldn't be a surprise because we spend a lot of time actively searching for new items. Just in the past year we have attended numerous trade shows looking for things to tempt you...things that aren't found in too many printmaking supply catalogs.

As the logo above attests, we have added several complete lines of Lascaux products, including the Studio Colors and the Resonance Gouache. Both lines have a great range of colors. These are remarkably high quality acrylic colors worthy of any studio.

In a conscious effort on our part, we continue to add significant numbers of Oriental papers from several sources. Our goal is to provide as many types of papers as possible. Actually, more to the point, our goal is to sell more types of papers than anyone. Our paper specialists have really gotten into these thin papers, and are obsessed with packaging them so that there will be no damage in transit. We have a handful of limited supply high end papers. They aren't inexpensive, but they're really great sheets.

Another area that we like to think we excel in is brayers. We've added a new source of brayers that run from 50 mm to 300 mm. These EAC Brayers come in a standard and a deluxe style, and brayers 200 mm and smaller come with a standard single handle, while 250 and 300 mm are a double handled tool.

In addition to the brayers, we have numerous other materials from the same source. Unique products include a combination bench hook and hand guard. We've showed this at a couple of trade shows recently, and people really like them. There is also a 3 in 1 tool set. It is a carving set with 5 blades , a baren for printing your carved block, and it also serves as a stamper. You get round disks that are adhesive backed. These will fit on the baren surface of this tool. The material itself is similar to the Speedy-Cut blocks.

IMPACT VI

2009-06-07T18:21:00.001-07:00

Wow! I had this really amazing post written about the upcoming IMPACT show in Bristol, England. In all likelihood, it was my best writing to date, but you'll have to take my word for it, because I forgot to save it!

The picture above is Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in some place or the first one somewhere. Obviously I don't know anything about it but I've traveled across it and under it by car and train. It's very impressive.

Welcome to the Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge.

The first competition in 1829 was judged by Thomas Telford, the leading civil engineer of the day. Telford rejected all the designs and submitted his own but the decision to declare him the winner was unpopular and a second competition was held in 1830. 24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his first major commission.

The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned.
Brunel died prematurely aged 53 yrs in 1859 but the Bridge was completed as his memorial and finally opened in 1864. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter traffic with 11-12,000 motor vehicles crossing it every day.

An Interpretation Centre is situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. It contains information and images of the plans in the competition, the construction and completion of the bridge, and how it is maintained today.
Books, postcards and souvenirs are on sale. Open 10am - 5pm daily throughout the year.

The IMPACT show itself is once again at the University of the West of England (UWE), were it started 10 years ago. Steve Hoskins and Richard Anderton are again hosting what I believe is Europe's premier printmaking conference. The dates are September 16-19, 2009, and we'll be happy to put you in touch with the organizers if you are interested in attending

NAMTA 2009

2009-05-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

The NAMTA (National Art Materials Trade Association) show has stepped down to cities in what is considered Tier 2. We no longer go to New York, LA, Boston or Chicago. but now we travel to Reno, Louisville, Indianapolis and Orlando.

This year's show in Louisville was no step down in my mind. Whether it's the economy or the difficulty in getting to Louisville, the show was not very well attended, but those who were there were buying. As with any NAMTA show, the highlight was the President's Reception. The reception was held at world-famous Churchill Downs, less than a week after the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby. It could have been the 136th, but I don't think so.

Most of these fine horses are expected to carry 126 pounds (including the saddle). This poor baby drew the short straw and had the equivalent of two jockeys on his back, but it didn't slow him up even a step - in fact he hardly broke a sweat!

It is entirely likely that if this printmaking supply gig doesn't work out, I may consider a career change. The silks that I'm wearing in the picture aren't the most colorful, but they could improve. Hey if the Derby winner went off at 50:1 how much worse could it get with me on the nag?

There were a number of new items that we are looking at based on conversations at NAMTA. We'll have more on those as testing proves them top be viable or not. More to the point, there were several of our new products were quite the hit in Louisville. The biggest hit of the new products would have to be either the Baren Kit (with 5 or 10 blades) or the Safety Hand Guard which serves as a bench hook, and safety guard all in one.!

Both products are featured on or web site: the safety guard is product #24162 and the Baren Kit is items #24143 or 24144 for the 5 blade and 10 blade kits respectively.

There were numerous encounters at the show, most good, and one really strange one, but I'll need to have more than a little Kentucky Bourbon to reveal the strange one. Don't you just hate it when I do something like this?

SGC CHICAGO 2009

2009-04-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

It came and went so rapidly that we almost missed it, but it certainly left a mark before it was gone. The long anticipated SGC show in Chicago was spectacular to say the least.

While the final numbers aren't in yet, the attendance was off the charts. Over 1800 printmakers registered for the 3 day event, far and away the largest attendance ever for Southern Graphics. The 35 vendors in attendance was another record, and a like number of publishers helped to make the Product Fair the best ever.

I'd like to offer a special thanks to the tireless volunteers on the Organizing Committee led by David Jones from Anchor Graphics. For a year and a half this group met to plan and execute a great show, and that's exactly what they produced. Chicago is always a great place for a trade show.

I'm biased, but the city is a true gem that lends itself to showing visiors a great time. Our restaurants are second to none, and the city's committmentto the arts is unrivaled anywhere. Yes, there were a few glitches - the City that Works decided to do sidewalk repair outside of the main entrance to one of our venues just days before the show started.

A huge last minute registration left many of the demonstrations seriously over crowded. As a vendor, give me a crowd like this any time. The picture at the left was honestly taken during a lull in the Product Fair.

Next year, SGC visits another of my favorite cities...Philadelphia for the 2010 show. With the Chicago show to build from, I expect that this will be another great show. And, about the only thing that comes close to topping a great Italian Beef sandwich from Chicago could be an authentic Philly Cheese Steak!

2ND CENTURY - BETTER THAN THE FIRST

2009-04-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, this begins the second century - not of Graphic Chemical & Ink (we're only 89 years old), but rather the second hundred posts on the Printmaking Materials Blog. And, what better way to start post #101 than with a recap on the recent Southern Graphics Conference meeting in Chicago last week?

First and foremost, this show was staggeringly successful. I want to extend a special thanks to David Jones of Anchor Graphics who was the guy in charge of everything. Additionally thanks need to go to Andrew Whatley from host school Columbia College. Andrew and David were instrumental in minimizing the problems that always happen with anything this large.
Speaking of large, the registration numbers aren't final yet, but we anticipate about 1800 printmakers registered for SGC! We also had a record number of vendors and publishers. This just serves to prove what many of us already knew - Chicago is a great city, particularly for artists.

As the show ended, we began final preparations for the Graphic Open House. Mother Nature also began final preparations for a nasty late winter storm. We were told to expect 6" of wet, heavy snow, and we probably got 2" at Graphic, but we also got an additional 2" of water inside our production department, too. It was hardly noticed by the 3-4 dozen die hards who braved the elements. Hopefully they appreciated the effort that was displayed by our staff to get everyhting ready.

Thanks also to Gary and Sherril Owens from E.C. Lyons and Walt and Ginny Glazer from Speedball Art for helping out. Lascaux, our Swiss supplier of Etching, Screen Printing and Painting supplies provided Swiss chocolate and free samples of some of their products.

Our hit products at SGC included the Lascaux paints, and the brand new brayers from England. Of course, the Graphic Chemical inks were almost sold out by the end of the show. Everyone that we talked to at the show was similarly impressed with the SGC Conference, and rightly so.

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE

2009-03-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

After 18 months of planning, it's go time!

The organizing committee for the upcoming Southern Graphics Conference has done all that they can do in preparation for the best ever SGC meeting. Like any effort of this scale, there have been problems... the Hilton Hotel seems to be trying to get out of this economic situation by charging SGC through the nose for everything. The City of Chicago has chosen this week to do major construction work in front of one of the main venues at Columbia College. No matter, we're ready. There are dozens of galleries in Chicago that are having shows coordinated to the SGC conference.

An original performance, written by Warrington Colescott, will be performed by a Columbia College troupe. And, of course, there is my personal favorite...the Product Fair.

This year, we have 1550 preregistered for the show, over 30 vendors, including several new faces. The Open Portfolio, on Saturday, will once again be in the same general area as the Product Fair in the Northwest Exhibit Hall at the Hilton.

Last, and I hope certainly not least, on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm we will host an Open House at Graphic Chemical & Ink. We'll have the nickel tour, door prizes, refreshments and much more.

So here's the facts:

SGC Conference, March 26-29 at Columbia College, 623 South Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Product Fair, March 27, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Chicago Hilton and Towers, 800 S Michigan
March 28 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Graphic Open House, March 29, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, 728 North Yale Avenue, Villa Park, IL

See you in Chicago - soon.

OPEN HOUSE - MARCH 29th

2009-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

I have been announcing this in numerous ways, but lo and behold not here. What was I thinking?

In conjunction with the Southern Graphics Council conference in Chicago (March 25-29, 2009), Graphic Chemical & Ink is planning on hosting an Open House at World Headquarters on March 29th from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

For those of you not familiar with our facilities, World Headquarters are located at 728 North Yale Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181. Lest you get the wrong idea, we aren't exactly a 100,000 square foot building. We don't have multiple floors. In fact we could lie our way to about 11,000 square feet - roughly the size of the 8 Track Tape Department at Best Buy.

Not to cast aspersions on software manufacturers, but some commonly used software isn't too clear about our location. Yale avenue is 1 1/2 blocks long where we are located. You can only get to our building by turning off of eastbound North Avenue (Illinois Route 64), or by turning off of Ardmore Avenue onto Shiller , which dead ends at Yale. Should you have problems with directions, call us at 630-832-6004, and someone will talk you in.

Villa Park is actually pretty close to O'Hare Airport for those of you headed out that way. Public transportation is available on the Union Pacific West Line which takes about 40 minutes to get out from the Ogilvie Transportation Center (Madison and Canal) in Chicago to the Villa Park station. The Villa Park station is about a mile or less from Graphic.

We expect to have refreshments, possibly raffle prizes, and who knows what else we can think of between now and the 29th. Remember that you get a twofer when you come out here - you also get the new headquarters of Stones Crayons in the bargain.

We really look forward to seeing you out here on March 29th.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCY - LINCOLN, NE

2009-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

Artist-in-Residence Opportunities at Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, NE

Postmark Deadline: March 15

Residencies available in ceramics, printmaking, painting, and fibers. Residency is available for 3 months or up to 2 years scheduled to begin May 1, 2009 for most areas. An MFA is preferred but not necessary. Residency is granted based on quality of work and community-mindedness. Residents are provided with private or share studio spaces and most materials necessary to produce work. Year-long residents receive a solo show at the end of their residency and all residents receive representation in the Lux Center's sales gallery throughout their residency. Residents have 24 hour access to facilities. Residents are responsible for studio management and maintenance, approximately 10-12 hours per week. Residents are expected to assist with opening receptions and special events. No stipend is offered but residents with MFA have the opportunity to teach for Doane College at an average of $300 per month and all residents have opportunities to teach community classes for adults and youth for pay. Contact the Education Director at 402-466-8692 for more info or visit www.luxcenter.org.

Jenni Brant

Education Director

brant@luxcenter.org

Lux Center for the Arts

2601 N 48th Street

Lincoln, NE 68504

402-466-8692

www.luxcenter.org

The mission of Lux Center for the Arts is to enhance the lives of a diverse public through the visual arts by providing exceptional learning opportunities in contemporary art, craft, and design. These opportunities, honoring the legacy of arts educator Gladys M. Lux, include art classes, residence programs, gallery exhibitions, and community outreach.

12th NATIONAL SMALL WORKS SHOW

2009-02-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have posted the information below as a service to our friends at Washington Printmakers Gallery. Questions can be directed to Ellen Winkler

Calling all printmakers

Washington Printmakers Gallery announces its 12th National Small Works Show This year's juror is Jane Haslem - Director of Jane Haslem Gallery & a nationally known print dealer. First prize is a solo show at Washington Printmakers Gallery, located in Washington DC's renowned Dupont Circle gallery district. Deadline is May 25. A prospectus is attached* and also may be downloaded at www.washingtonprintmakers.com.

* It's supposed to be attached, but I can't figure out how to do it! Dean

PRINTMAKING IN FLORENCE

2009-02-16T13:36:00.001-08:00

I have posted this as is for any of you who would be interested in a good reason to go to Florence...like there's a bad reason to go.

Summer Class in Florence, Italy
Syracuse University

Experimental Printmaking and the Artist's Book
(PRT 300/500, 3 credits, undergraduate or graduate)
May 28 – July 11, 2009
Prof. Holly Greenberg

This is a hands-on studio for art students interested in exploring new ways of image-making through experimental methods of printmaking and the artist's book. Demonstrations include: monotype, collagraph, photo-collagraph, Pronto plates, gum printing, chine colle, eastern and western bookbinding, and marbleizing paper. Studio work is complemented with field trips to the Uffizi Gallery and area artisans working in book arts, printmaking, and fine art papers.

http://suabroad.syr.edu/programs/summer/view/391
DEADLINE: MARCH 1

Dusty Herbig
Assistant Professor of Art-Printmaking
Syracuse University
School of Visual & Performing Art
Comstock Art Building
Syracuse, NY 13210

315.559.3206

PAPERWORLD RECAP

2009-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Susan and I just returned from what I believe was a fairly

successful trip to the Paperworld Trade Show in Frankfurt, Germany. This show is about a lot more than paper, and it's huge! The best part of the show, other than renewing acquaintances with many of our friends and customers, is the variety of new products we've planned to add to our inventory - soon.

For the paper connoisseur, we've seen some amazing papers that will soon grace our shelves - and your studios. Our freinds Nancy and Peter from the Japanese Paper Place have introduced us toMr. Moriki of the world famous Moriki Paper Company. The pride that he shows in his product is remarkable, and rightly so. Moriki has been making fine relief papers for generations. We have ordered some remarkable sheets that hopefully we'll have to show at the upcoming Southern Graphics Conference in Chicago (mark your calendars - it's just around the corner).

Some of these new papers are limited availability, but they are well worth the effort.

We also visited with Barbara from Lascaux Colors in Switzerland. After a lengthy and very productive meeting, we're adding a couple of color ranges to our already large inventory of these products. In addition to the Sirius Acrylic, Sirius Watercolors, and Gouache lines already on our shelves, we're adding the Studio Acrylics and the Resonance Gouaches. These products are great for painting, monoprintinhg and screen printing.The Resonance line is also ideally suited for art therapy applications. Lascaux refers to this range as "a colour filled with lifew impulses.These colors support and encourage the soul's expressive potential and have a harmonic effect on both the individual and his or her environment."

These unique colors with 28 hues can be used in all applications in which color should be realized as a sensuous quality beyound its visual presence. Look for these also at SGC. We'll be offering a special on the 85 ml Studio Acrylic set buy three colors and get a fourth one free!

We weren't done yet, however. We stumbled across a new source for brayers, barens, carving tools and much more. This source from the U.K. has safety cutters, innovative hand guards,and bench hooks. These products are affordable - especially with the Dollar showing some signs of strength right now.

It wasn't all work, we were able to sleep on the plane - sort of. In the middle of all this, the great State of Illinois chose that exact moment to throw the Governor out of office! We couldn't get much in the way of news from the U.S. but they all know about Blagojevich (even if they couldn't pronounce his name!)

Finally, I've talked a lot about showcasing all of the new products at SGC, but the other thing that we fully expect to do is to host an Open House following the conference on Sunday, March 29 at Graphic Chemical & Ink Company.

Come on out and join us for a few minutes or a few hours between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. We're located at 728 North Yale Avenue, in Villa Park. Just 17 miles west of downtown Chicago, convenient to major highways and public transportation, and if we get enough people willing to commit to the trip, we'll look into hiring a bus to make the trip easier for you.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB SEARCH

2009-02-06T16:39:00.000-08:00

The following was received from Roxanne Sexauer, announcing an opening as described below:

Executive Director Job Search

Self Help Graphics is seeking to hire an executive director who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of operations and execution of long-term artistic vision to ensure the organization fulfills its mission. The ideal candidate will have sensitivity to, knowledge of and respect for the special needs of Chicano and Latino artists in Los Angeles and beyond. He/she will have experience working with diverse stakeholders including artists, volunteers, community members, funders, peer organizations and elected officials. The executive director will also have a proven track record in business management and fund development. The Executive Director reports directly to the SHG Board of Directors.

The executive director will supervise the activities of the master printmaker, printer's apprentice and the printmaking facility. Under the direction of the SHG Board of Directors, the executive director will develop job descriptions for and hire new staff members as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education:
· Bachelor's Degree
· Masters Degree or MFA preferred

Experience:
· Desired 10+ years of management experience with supervisory responsibility
· Finance, accounting and business management experience
· Fund development, grant making and/or management experience
· Experience in the arts, preferably visual arts
· Deep knowledge of Chicano and Latino art history
· Significant experience in the non-profit or public sector
· Command of Chicano and/or Latino history, culture and current issues
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· Experience with accounting software a plus
· Proficiency using Microsoft Word and Excel

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience plus benefits

APPLICATION
All applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to the attention of Rose Ramirez atrose.ramirez@selfhelpgraphics.com by February 28, 2009.

TRADE SHOWS 2009

2009-01-18T18:36:00.001-08:00

I like to think that I'm smarter than the average bear, of course
there are those who would argue the point, and after reading this you'll probably agree. I believe fervently in backing up computers, at least when it comes to Graphic Chemical. We actually subscribe to a service that backs up something like every six minutes!

I'm not quite as good about backing up my personal computer, which also serves as my PC workstation at Graphic. Why should I back up? Nothing could happen, right? Well, it did, and apparently it was catastrophic. Everything on my hard drive ceased to exist right around the Holidays. Mostly, I lost most of, but not all of my pictures. I also lost most of the forms used for export shipments, but they can be replaced. I believe that I've learned my lesson this time.

So, what's this got to do with the title, " TRADE SHOWS 2009"? Pretty much nothing, but I felt like venting. There are a number of important trade shows coming up this year, that I feel compelled to make note of.

January-February 2009- The Paperworld Show in Frankfurt, Germany. This is a huge show, open to dealers, manufacturers etc. in a variety of industries. The art materials part is in all likelihood the largest art materials show in the World. We're going this year to touch base with some of our distributors and several suppliers, plus if we're lucky we'll find a few new ones in each category.

March 2009 - Southern Graphics Conference in Chicago. This is the most impportant show in the printmaking world, and it'sin our backyard this year. We've been working hard to get the show organized and for us to be ready for our best show yet.

May 2009 - National Art Materials Traade Association - Louisville, KY. This is an annual show for dealers of art materials. It's a fair sized show that will influence what your local art supply store will end up stocking in the next year.

September 2008 - Impact VI in Bristol, England. This show runs every other year in odd-numbered years (Mid America Print Council runs in the even numbered years). While this is a smaller show for exhibitors, the turn out of printmakers - especially those from the US and Europe is pretty impressive.

Finally, the pictures at the top - we've already established that I'm limited in the number of pictures I have available, but these are two "new" products. Actually they are acid dropping bottles, an item discontinued several years ago. We have found a source and have added them to the website. Hope you enjoy them.

FREE SHIPPING, OR PLAYING THE PERCENTAGES

2008-12-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have recently joined a printmakers group called INKTERACTION (http://inkteraction.ning.com/) that is quite amazing to me. at last count almost 2000 printmakers were members, exchanging ideas, imagery and for all I know cookie recipes.

I did come across in a period of 24 hours a disturbing aspect to the world of printmaking supply. Graphic Chemical & Ink has always been straightforward with our customers when it comes to terms and pricing. The old line has always been that we don't offer free shipping because we can't find the truck line that will ship for free,

In an exchange with a relief artist, I mentioned that we have an alternative product that might be of interest to her - the Vinyl Relief Plates from Japan. She was quite interested because the cost of unmounted linoleum from her supplier was very expensive. In her response, however, she mentioned that she used that source because they were somewhat local and they offered free shipping!

At that point the antenna went up, and I began researching the issue. In the same vein as the old saying that "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch" there is equally no such thing as free shipping. Oh sure, somebody could cut a deal to win a bid or something, but in case you haven't noticed shipping charges from all carriers have been going through the roof lately, and they weren't that great to start with!

In this young lady's case, her "free shipping" cost her approximately $80, on a shipment of 50 feet of 36" wide lino. Her source charges $21.25 per running foot of 36" wide material, while Graphic charges $16.50 per running foot of the same lino. So, her neighborhood supplier charges $237.50 more for the same material - but the shipping is free. Shipping charges from Villa Park to that location would be about $150 or so.

Then, because I was wound up about how people look at pricing, I was checking out a website for one of our distributors. I noticed that this dealer sells our 514C Bone Black for a reasonable price - good for them. Unfortunately, they felt compelled to mislead the customer about the savings involved. Their site shows the list price at $ 24.99 for the one pound can of Bone Black. I have to assume that it's their list price because ours is $12,50!

There is an entire industry out there that preys on the fact that page placement is everything. If your website isn't in the first 3-4 in a category, your chances of someone stumbling onto your site is almost nil. The problem is that it all costs money - and where do you suppose the money comes from - from you. Small manufacturers cannot compete well in that kind of market. I hope it doesn't sound like whining. It's just a fact of life. but consider who the companies are that actually make the materials that you buy. Most of them are small - even smaller than Graphic Chemical if that's possible. Many are struggling with the economic situation and several have closed their door within the past few years. I urge you to give some consideration to supporting the little guys, while they're still around.

WEDDING BELL BLUES

2008-11-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

So, after almost a year of planning, the first ever wedding of two Graphic Chemical employees has happened. Oh, it's not the first time that two GC employees were married (e.g Susan and me, my parents, Sarah and Pete, the Snyders and a few others), but the first time that two employees got married.

Liz and Josh managed, despite a few obstacles, to tie the knot on November 8th. It was a glorious affair marred only by the inconsiderate boor who not only left his cell phone on in Church, but actually had a call during the service! He had a very distinctive ring tone, so the assignment of blame was immediate and conclusive. The ring tone was a tune called Suicide is Painless which as many of you know as the theme song to M*A*S*H.

What makes the story even better, the father of the bride (that would be me for those of you operating without a genealogy chart) is addicted to M*A*S*H - possibly being the world's foremost expert thereof - and actually has the theme song as his ring tone!

That's right, my blasted phone rang twice during the service because I couldn't get it turned off quickly enough! It actually rang six more times before we left Church, but at least by then I had it on vibrate. Afterwards, a friend asked me who had called since everyone I knew was at the wedding. It turns out that I have made some unsavory acquaintances in my years of quasi-politics. The most unsavory would not be the obvious politicians currently in jail, or headed there, but rather the reporters who helped put them there. It was, in fact a reporter, who was actually just looking for someone else to confirm a story! She did, by the way, get the story wrong anyway.

During the father-of-the-bride speech later in the afternoon, no fewer than three of my friends tried calling me. My story (and I'm sticking with it) is that the phone was on as a courtesy to President-elect Obama. If he called offering me a post like Secretary of Education or Defense, I didn't want him to have to deal with voice mail.

In about five years or so, I expect that Susan will begin to see the humor of the situation ...maybe.