The Print Cast

Kathy Caraccio is a New York based master printer who started out studying under Arun Bos at Hunter College in the 60's, and after graduating spent four years printing and absorbing all kinds of knowledge at Robert Blackburns Print Workshop. It was there she learned the ins and outs of being a collaborating printer and got glimpses into the world of dealing and collecting prints by watching Robert Blackburn sell the prints published in his studio. Her first publishing job was for Pace, before they had their own print operation, printing a commemorative suite of etchings  for Louise Nevelson. She opened her studio and has been a printer for the past 43 years, printing for the likes of Ema Amos, Ed Clarke, Romaire Beardon, Sol LeWitt and many other artists. Kathy comes on the Print Cast to tell her story about she got into printmaking, what it was like working at Robert Blackburn's print studio, and stories of the many collaborations she has done since then.Today’s Let’s Get Technical is all about Collagraph! Hear some great tips from the master herself. -Using a PVC plastic or polystyrene plate (sintra is one brand )-How to prepare the plate with a mesh that simulates an aquatint-Adding collage materials...but not too much-Printing the plate in intaglio and relief stylesSee Kathy's collection and learn more about her at https://www.kcaracciocollection.com/Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathyprintSome other announcements:Self Help Graphics is having its Biennial Print Summit over Zoom, March 10,11,12 of 2021. Check their website for more info. Selfhelpgraphics.comSelf Help Graphics in Los Angeles is also hiring a Master Printer with a specialty in Serigraphy. Learn more at selfhelpgraphics.com/opportunitites

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Phil Sanders, author of Prints and Their Makers, a new book out from Princeton Architectural Press about artists and master printers and the processes that bring them together. If you haven’t heard Part 1, it precedes this episode in your feed so I encourage you to catch up before listening to this installment of The Print Cast. If you are all caught up, then today is a treat for you because we’re about to embark on a lengthy Let’s Get Technical segment regarding relief printing, and other logistical things related to print publishing. Since it is rare that I have a guest like Phil, I wanted to indulge a bit over how to approach making a relief or block print, and he offers up some really helpful tips regarding printing, prepping, and even some creative ideas that might help you transcend your current working process. At the end Phil tells us about where you can find his new book, and I encourage you to go out and pick up a copy. Find your local art book dealer and see if they have it, or feel free to order direct from my guest Phil Sanders. He even offers some collector editions which include hand pulled prints to go with this hefty addition to your print book collection.

Author and Master Printmaker Phil Sanders comes on the podcast today in a two-part episode to discuss his new book Prints and Their Makers, a book that weaves connections between the tradition and techniques of printmaking developed over the course of human history. Phil Sanders is a master printer and publisher at PS Marlowe in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a former printer at ULAE, and former director at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop in New York City.His book features publishers and artists who push the boundaries of the seven major processes: Relief, Intaglio, Chine Collé, Photogravure, Lithography, Monotype & Monoprint, and Screen Print. It's like taking a tour of the best print workshops around the globe that are operating today. While it offers historical context, the book also invites us press-side with artists and master printers, giving insight into the decision making processes involved in making some truly impressive artworks. It's a treat for anyone who enjoys peeling apart the layers of how monumental prints are made.One of the best parts of the book are the images and the artists featured. The images are bright, bold, and well presented, and you'll see many new artists' work that will be sure to inspire and delight as you flip through the pages. It's a fantastic book and we have a really enjoyable chat regarding all things print. Today's episode is Part 1 of my interview with Phil Sanders, with Part 2 coming next week. Enjoy!

Artist and professor Yoonmi Nam comes on the podcast to discuss her art, collaborations, exhibitions, and more. Nam is a professor at KU in Lawrence, KS, and we discuss her inspiration that comes from the world around her including her neighborhood and kitchen table. Nam is a lithographer, and Moku Hanga artist, and connects her passion for technical processes with content that speaks to ephemerality and convenience. Most of her art examines liminal spaces between states of change, and contradictions that exist in the things we use like how we use "disposable" goods packaged in plastics that will be around for the next 10,000 years. Her collaborative group Wood/Paper/Box is a long running project between three artists and we discuss how the group works together while apart, and upcoming shows and travel that connect to the work of the artist trio. Today's Let's Get Technical dives into damp pack paper storage, which you may need someday...maybe.Check out Yoonmi online here.Her instagram is here.Follow The Print Cast on Instagram here.Check out more episodes online.Today's discussion involves:How art resembling takeout food takes on new meaning in the pandemic world.Toile wallpaperSGCI New Orleans - print exchangeHow construction and decay often look similar.Living in a run down neighborhood where new development impacts the vintage neighborhood.Flavor Paper - Brooklyn custom screen printed wallpaper Mustard Seed Garden Manual for PaintingWood/Paper/Box - a collaborative group where three artists exchange art works.Moku Hanga Conference in JapanAll works during one project are contained into one box and become an exhibition.Next exhibition of group due to happen in 2021 at The Beach Museum in Manhattan, KSThey are creating a custom edition as part of the show.Their projects are interactive to view because they have to be taken from the box, handled, and moved around to view all the contents.We talk about GAMPI!!! A favorite paper. So delicate, and yet so strong.She started making sculptural objects in response to paper prints.She likes to think about time in materialsThe contradiction that disposable things are made in ultra-durable materials like plasticStudying Moku Hanga in JapanViewing Mt. Fuji in daily life while in JapanDoing a print residency in Japan learning Moku HangaLet’s Get TechnicalUsing a Damp Pack: Moku Hanga paper is typically prepared so that it is moist before printingHow to dampen your printing paper, not fully wet, but moist and ready to take inkUsing damp newsprint, and a sheet of plastic of trash bagTaking humidity and paper thickness into accountMaintain right amount of moisture throughout editioningDon’t leave it sit for too many days, or the damp pack can grow bacteria and ruin paper