Art Star

Category: Printmaking

  • An Interview with New Academy Press

    New Academy Press, founded by Justin George and Michael Burch, is a collaborative screen printing shop in Pittsburgh, PA.  New Academy Press will be vending at our Art Star Craft Bazaar for the first time this year, so we were interested in learning more about them.  Check out our interview and come visit them at the bazaar at booth # 110!

    Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
    New Academy Press: We will be selling screen printed paper goods, such as illustrated prints, postcards, bookmarks, and paper sculptures.

    AS: Describe your process.
    NAP: We take original illustrations and designs and screen print them by hand.  Some of our prints are then cut, torn, folded, and glued to create 3-dimensional paper sculptures.

    AS: Are you professionally trained?
    NAP: Justin holds a BFA in printmaking and Michael has one in photography.

    AS: Are you able to make your work full time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    NAP: We work full time hours for New Academy Press, but to stay afloat we also spend additional time as a bartender and restaurant manager.

    AS: Where would you like to see your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    NAP: We would like to move our operation out of our living room and into a larger, dedicated workspace allowing us to increase our creative output, and eventually spread our love for art making through teaching classes and workshops.

    AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
    NAP: We are currently working on a suite of new prints for a gallery show in August at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination here in Pittsburgh.

    AS: What are your favorite things about Philadelphia?
    NAP:  So many things! Michael spent a brief time living in Philly, and the things he misses most are the Museum of Art, bicycle lanes and beautiful old buildings. Justin enjoys the Mutter Museum and Ben Franklin.

    AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
    NAP: We are heavily influenced by past eras of scientific exploration, design and manufacturing. We love learning about the people who have spent their lives searching for answers and discovering new things about the natural world.

     

    AS: What are you reading / listening to?
    NAP: That is a very big question.  We love talk radio, podcasts and audiobooks that teach us about this crazy universe, but when it comes to getting thing done we like really loud rock music.

     

  • An Interview with Marcus Benavides of Red Light Press

    Red Light Press is Marcus Benavides’ Fine Art Printing Press that specializes in limited edition woodcuts, lithographs and other prints on paper.  This will be Marcus’ first year participating in our Art Star Craft Bazaar, so we were interested in learning more about him. Visit his booth #50 at our upcoming bazaar or check out his website

    Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar?
    Marcus Benavides: I’ll be selling Woodcut and Lithographic prints.

    AS. Describe your process. 
    MB: I carve tiny marks into wood, roll those carvings up with oil based inks, and reproduce the images on paper. I also draw images on Bavarian Lithographic Limestones, chemically alter the stones with acids and solutions, roll the image up with ink, and print the image on paper.  Both of these methods are printed with the help of Lula, a 100 year old, cast-iron, hand-cranked printing press.



    AS: Are you professionally trained?
    MB:  I received a BFA, MA, and an MFA in printmaking. I’ve been making prints for 10 years and I’ve been making art as far back as I can remember. Years of honing my craft, sharpening pencils, and grinding down stones can only stem from a love of hard work and printing beautiful images.


    AS: Are you able to make your work full time?  If not, what is your day job?
    MB: Sadly, I am not. I work at a commercial print-shop here in Philly.

    AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in 10 years?
    MB:      Owning a printing press allows me to make multiples of not only my own work, but collaborations with fellow artists. I would like to see Red Light Press’s expanding portfolio include more collaborative prints. I want to provide an artistic outlet for the ideas of like-minded individuals. Today, this is achievable with local artists; however, in the future I hope to build a fund for visiting, nationally-recognized artists.

    AS: Any exciting projects in the works?
    MB: I am currently in conversations with two local artists about printing collaborative prints.  That, and I’m working on a new piece entitled “Surf Mothers Must Die!”

    AS: What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
    MB: Dim Sum Garden’s soup dumplings.

     AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work?
    MB: I’m inspired most by the things that scare us as civilized beings; Indecency, the Grotesque, the Occult, Rebellious Behavior, Moralizing Folklore, and the Sleaze and Grime of back-alley cultures. I’m also influenced by the pop culture and cartoons of my childhood.

    AS: What are you reading / listening to?
    MB:      I listen to a lot of early Blues and Rock & Roll music. Mostly stuff from the 30’s to 50’s. But my taste runs the gamut of music genres.


    AS: Anything fun readers might be interested in knowing about you or your business?
    MB: I grew up in South Texas.  I have a rifle-scope scar on my left brow.  That, and I have a collection of voodoo and Mexican witchcraft paraphernalia.

  • DIY Silkscreen Kit Debut / Make + Take with Julie Lange

    The lovely Julie Lange of On3Designs has been hard at work creating a new line of DIY Silkscreen Kits, which she will be debuting at our DesignPhiladelphia Celebration / Closing party for Farmhaus + Friends on Friday, October 11th from 6-9pm.  Guests will be able to sample one of the kits on a piece of muslin to create their own one of a kind scarf to take home with them.  The make & take is completely free but we encourage visitors to purchase a kit to take home with them!


    Each kit will  include a screen, 3 stencils of 1 design, small package of textile ink (which can also be used on paper), a squeegee and directions.  There will also be refill packs for purchase that will include 3 stencils of 3 designs.  These kits are great for kids 10+ up or beginners who would like to learn how to silkscreen.  By using the kit, you will learn what you will need to do to create your own one of a kind designs!

    Here are some samples of what your finished scarf may look like but there are endless possibilities of what you can create!

    We did a wonderful blog feature on Julie & her line of hand printed purses and bags.  Click here to learn all about her and her work!

  • Meet Stephanie Harvey of exit343designs

    Local silkscreen printer, Stephanie Harvey is an Art Star Craft Bazaar veteran.  We always love checking out her cute & colorful printed t-shirts, plushies, stationary, prints & more!  Learn more about her technique, the artists who inspire her & what she is listening to these days.  And be sure to see it all in person at Booth #18!

    The lovely Stephanie Harvey in her booth!

    Art Star: Did you go to art school?  If so, where did you study?
    Stephanie Harvey: Technically I didn’t go to “art” school, but I do have two fine arts degrees. I received my B.F.A. with concentrations in Printmaking and Photography from Rowan University in South Jersey. I also have my M.F.A. in Printmaking from Penn State University.

    AS:  What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    SH: My booth features all silkscreen printed work, hand printed by me (with alittle bit of help from my studio cat, Buddy) in a workspace just outside of Philadelphia. I primarily make art prints and stationery, but also dabble with small plush creature pillows and tee shirts. Recently, I’ve begun crafting small watercolor illustrations that I sell as giclee prints, badges, and magnet sets. If you like bright colors, hand drawn type, and patterns, be sure to come check out my booth!

    Eat Local Food & Drink Local Brew Silkscreened Print

    AS:  How are your items made? Describe your process?
    SH: Everything starts with a drawing, on good old-fashioned paper. I sometimes use digital help to clean up or enlarge my drawings and make the layers to burn screens from. However, often times I consume many Sharpie opaque paint markers from hand drawing the layers. In silkscreen printing, every color is a different layer so the preparation can be really time consuming! After I make the screens, mix the inks, and trim the paper, I crank out each print- layer by layer. It’s a rewarding process, watching your work come to life in color one piece at a time.

    exit343design HQ

    AS: Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    SH: I’m an artist/designer/freelance event photographer by night and weekend and a production assistant at a local screenprinting company by day. I’m continually striving to make the former my all-of-the-time by doing shows like Art Star Craft Bazaar, taking on freelance design projects, selling my work at brick & mortars, running an active blog, and more.

    Lily of the Valley & Pansies Flower Cards by exit343designs

    AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
    SH: I look to contemporary graphic and poster designers, many who do the same craft shows I vend at. I love the bold stylized illustrations of Charley Harper and the sweeping lines and muted colors of Alphonse Mucha.  Textile patterns, unique illustrations, and hand drawn type are all artistic components I’m drawn to.

    AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
    SH: I’ve been in kind of a musical funk as of late, so I’ve turned in to a huge podcast fan. My favorites right now include: Adventures in Design by Mark from Hero and Billy from Delicious Design League (great for any artist + entrepreneur), WTF with Marc Maron, and Planet Money.

    Fruit Prints

    AS:  Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    SH: In ten years, I simply hope to be my own full-time boss. I have many other short-term goals, which will hopefully get me to that point!

    AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
    SH: Of course!  Checking out other vendors’ work is half the fun.  I also try to feature all of the great work I see after each show on my blog, thehappysqueegee.com

    In no particular order, my 2013 must-sees include:

    Atelier Grafico – Gioconda was my neighbor last year and her booth was packed with children having a blast with her creative stamp sets!  I’m hoping to beat the rush of youngsters this year and see what new sets she has.

    Everyday Balloons – This talented screen printing duo from Pittsburgh also makes the majority of their prints the old school way – by starting with a drawing, not digital.  Even their business cards are tiny works of silkscreend art!  I always make it a point to stop in and see what new images they created.

    Laura Berger – I can’t even tell you how many cards of hers I’ve purchased at this point -too many!  Her quirky sense of humor shines in every piece she creates, making her one of my favorite illustrators and stationery creators.

    The Wind and The Sail – Laura is so incredibly talented!  You have to get to her booth early on to see her full stock of cuddly creatures.  Why?  Everyone else knows she’s so talented and buys up all her finely crafted (and adorable) plush!

    Yardsale Press – Bryan has print and badge dispensing vending machines.  Enough said.

  • Free Fare: A Collection of Landscape Inspired Prints by Shawn Hileman

     Free Fare
    A Collection of Landscape Inspired Prints by Shawn Hileman
    April 13th – May 26th, 2013

    Opening Reception: Saturday, May 13th, 6-8pm
    Free & Open to the public

    Art Star is pleased to announce Free Fare, a collection of landscape inspired prints by Philadelphia printer & graphic designer, Shawn Hileman. The exhibition will be on display from April 13th – May 26th, 2013.  An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 6-8pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

    Shawn Hileman’s first solo exhibition at Art Star will include a series of screenprinted abstract landscapes based on the desire to explore the world. The work will take the viewer on a journey that spans from desolate desert to mystical mountain side castles. An illustrated collection of ephemera will accompany the expansive fields of color and texture. With a keen graphic eye and a lust for playful illustration, the prints will feature a symbiotic relationship between paper and ink

     Shawn received his BFA in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and has since worked as an Art Director and Freelance Graphic Designer / Printer.  He started Masthead Print Studio in 2010, which serves as a hub for local Philly printmakers to create & show their work.  The Studio features monthly exhibitions, curated by Hileman & other Masthead members, as well as special events & lectures.  His freelance clients include Urban Outfitters, Academy of Music, World Café Live, and Electric Factory, amongst many others.  He also creates his own line of silkscreened posters & prints, which you can find at Masthead, Art Star, Etsy & Little Paper Planes in CA.

     

  • September Crafternoon Recap

    We had so much fun this past Saturday at our first ever Crafternoon!  We are definitely going to make this a monthly event – so please sign up for our email newsletter or follow us on Facebook/Twitter for updates!

    We met up at Penelope Rakov‘s studio in the morning & she treated us to donuts & coffee while she chatted about her work & walked us through her process.  Here are some photos from the visit.  Check out all the photos on Flickr.

    Penelope (far right) chatting about her work

     

    bars of colored glass that Penny uses to pull glass cane used to make her jewelry
    Penny showed us each step that is involved in her process. Here are bundles of pulled glass cane.
    after Penny talked about her work, we all got to shop her entire collection, which included new & older pieces. All crafternoon purchases were 20% off!
    We found a drawer filled with finished glass pieces that just needed to be set in sterling silver. A few of our crafternooners picked out their favorites from the drawers & Penny custom set them!

    After we were finished at Penny’s studio, we headed over to Art Star for a lovely spread of food from A Full Plate Cafe.  Bonnie & Susan of Kaye Rachelle were all set up & ready for us.  They chatted a bit about their line of printed home textiles & then we dove right into our make & take!  They created 3 simple chevron designs cut from acetate & crafternooners could choose their color/design/placement for their tote/tea towel.  We had tons of extra totes & towels, so everyone got to make a few.  The results were great!

    Bonnie & Susan with their three screens. They gave us step by step instructions on how to silk screen. The cut stencil technique is so simple to do at home. Their chevron designs were inspired by the One & Two Liberty Place Buildings right here in Philly. All three designs worked so great together – perfect for layering them onto the totes in different color inks.
    Bonnie & Susan showing us how to print. Everyone loved the minty green color they mixed! They chose the perfect fall palette – this green, mustard yellow, & navy blue. Susan suggested mixing a little of each color in with the color you choose so they all have the same tone & work nicely together.
    The lovely Lisa Castellano is the first one up to print her tote bag!
    Lisa with her completed tote bag
    Me (Megan) hanging up all the printed totes to dry.

    Thanks so much to Penny, Bonnie, & Susan for making our first Crafternoon so special.

    Visit their websites: http://peneloperakov.com/ + http://www.kayerachelledesigns.com/

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Everyday Balloons

    We are excited to welcome new vendors Becki Hollen and Chris Bencivenga from Everyday Balloons!  Visit them at Booth #76!

    Becki + Chris from Everyday Balloons

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
    We both have BFAs from Edinboro University. That’s also where we met!

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    We will have a variety of items screen printed with our original illustrations: t-shirts for people of all sizes, handmade totes and bottle bags, paper prints and more.

    Yellow Bunny Wine + Whiskey Bag by Everyday Balloons

    What materials do you work with?
    We will try to print on just about anything we can get our hands on, but mostly we stick to paper, fabric, and ink of course. Something we’ve been experimenting with is screen printing on shrinky dinks.

    a print in the works

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    Initially everything starts with a drawing, sometimes we incorporate found patterns and textures. Then we make the layers for printing by cutting ruby lith and using paint markers. All our prints are hand pulled by us regardless of the material we’re printing on. Our handmade totes and bottle bags are cut out and individually pieced together. Each one is one of a kind.


    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    Right now, Everyday Balloons is our after hours gig. We both have full-time printing jobs. Chris works at Commonwealth Press, a screen printing shop, and Becki works at Sapling Press, a letterpress printing shop.

    Robots & Satellites TShirt by Everyday Balloons

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    Jay Ryan. The Little Friends of Printmaking. We’re big fans of Wes Anderson and we’ve recently started a small collection of My Paper Crane pieces.

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    The Zombies, First Aid Kit, and The Beach Boys. We wish we had more time to read. Right now there’s a few cooking blogs we frequent (Shutterbean and The Kitchn to name a few) to support our other hobby, cooking.

    Bunny Onesie by Everyday Balloons

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? 
    We would love to be working for ourselves, making our art full time, and raising a family (and maybe some chickens) in a cabin in the woods.

    Visit their blog to learn more! http://everydayballoonsshop.tumblr.com/
    + become their fans on Facebook

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Tugboat Printshop

    Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
    We met in the University of South Dakota printmaking department.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    We make and sell all original woodcuts.  We like them to be different, colorful, and detailed.  We are excited every day to push the craft of our artwork to newer places.  We’ve got some really nice larger work that we’re hoping to debut at the Bazaar.

    Mama Bear, color woodblock print, 2012 Tugboat Printshop

    What materials do you work with?
    We are traditional printmakers.  We do everything completely by hand.  At night, we use electricity, but other than that, it is exactly the same basic process as Gutenberg, but with less frills.  We use hand-tools to carve birch plywood blocks. All our ink for printing is oil based, all of our paper is archival.

    Woodblock (red ink) for RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    Firstly, we (Paul and Valerie) think a lot about our ideas.  Woodcut, especially color woodcut, takes a very long time, so we like to be very deliberate about what we make from start to finish. We like to think that an artist has a responsibility to their society and culture to be a kind of ‘visual bard’–to work with themes that are relevant to the times, and pertinent to others.  For example, right now, we suppose we’re talking alot about an ideal environment in our work.  After we do our thinking (there’s a lot of ideas that don’t end up getting made all the way through), we draw directly onto the woodblock, first in pencil, then in felt-tip pen, this allows us to trade the blocks back and forth and both have input on their design.  Then we carve around our drawing with hand tools, essentially turning the drawing into a “big, fancy, stamp”.  We roll ink onto the drawing, then lay paper on the ink, then run it through the press.  We generally repeat this process more or less for every color in an image–see our website for more details & process photos!

    RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?  We are full time artists!  It took a lot of work to get here, but we kind of always knew that we were willing to put in the crazy hours and work really hard, and had the opportunity to turn some of our other skills into side jobs (picture framing, graphic design, etc) to get us by while we worked to make Tugboat full time. We still work mad hours every day, but we love what we do.

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    Well, we look at a lot of artists, and have a great deal of respect for many different ones.  Right now we’re looking at a lot of unknown artisan’s works ~ old, old artifacts from ancient times to around about the Middle Ages.

    Tugboat Printshop

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    We were reading baby books and we always read the daily newspaper. We listen to a lot of Bluegrass, Woody Guthrie, Carter Family, etc.  And Led Zeppelin. And Otis Redding. And we have the NPR classical station on all day long in our kitchen calm room.  We think our new little girl, Ayla, likes Harry Belafonte, but who doesn’t?

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?  Well, it’s beyond time to get our operation out of the house.  We are focused on finding a separate studio for Tugboat Printshop ~ a place where we can host events with other artists, maybe have workshops, and hire helping hands. We’re also really excited about new projects in the coming months…bigger woodcuts in the works!

    Visit Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop at Booth #61 at our upcoming ASCB!

     

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