Sandbox is a corner of the web dedicated to Iowa City artists working to engage the public in an interactive environment. Find out more here.
Zenzic Press Holiday Celebration
Public Space One — Friday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.
I have shown a lot of mixed media work so far, but at my core I am a printmaker. Even when I am working in other mediums, I think like a printmaker- in layers, with flattened perspectives, implementing varied editions, and always focusing on the ability to make multiples. I have always had a love for both printmaking and mixed media, but once I graduated I found it difficult to etch and print in my apartment (not for lack of trying though)!
You can imagine my excitement, then, to discover that Iowa City had a community print shop, Zenzic Press! Along with my even greater excitement when I found out I could work on the relaunch of the shop as a part of my Free Studio Residency with Public Space One!
The shop is now in a new space and has a new group of wonderful individuals dedicated to helping it run! It has been exciting to be a part of this new collective effort! We have all taken on different responsibilities, and along with monitoring during open studio hours and teaching workshops, I will be overseeing the shop supplies and maintenance.
This print is not the definition of perfection, but it is a representation of the intaglio set up I have been working on for Zenzic. I used this plate to experiment with acrylic based hard ground for the first time (the jury is still out on this product), to test the new batch of Edinburgh etch (using a longer etch time as the lines got closer to the center), and to come up with a number system for finding the right pressure on a very unique press.
I am falling in love with this shop and I think you will too. If you are in Iowa City, please join us at the Zenzic Press holiday hoopla! This Friday, December 19 from 6-8 p.m., celebrate the season and the relaunch of our print collective!
We will have fancy punch and goodies, along with stamps, stencils and drawing materials for pattern-making and embellishing. Bring your own blank wrapping papers, cards, envelopes and gift tags, or just come see the shop and hang out!
We will have flyers on our Intro Hands-On Demos for Silkscreen, Relief and Intaglio (co-lead by yours truly), as well as information on Open Studio Hours!
Are you excited? I’m excited!!!
To find out more, visit Zenzic Press or find us on Facebook.
Until then, I am going to put on my Intaglio Club apron and get to work on my next plate!
Best,
Emily
