What is printmaking?

Fine art printmaking is the creation of original images in ink on paper by printing from a matrix. This matrix could be linoleum, metal, copper, wood, stone or any one of a number of materials. Basically, the artist chooses a surface to be the matrix or more simply, plate. Once a material is chosen, the artist cuts, etches or draws an image onto the plate. Ink is applied through varies methods depending on the material and paper is pressed onto the plate. Some printmakers prefer to hand print while others might own or have access to a printing press. The plate allows an image to be printed multiple times and the number of prints pulled is called an edition. An open edition is when there is no number or limit to the prints pulled from that particular plate.

Printmaking is sometimes misunderstood. The distinction between fine art prints and “limited edition prints” which are actually commercially reproduced prints (posters which have been signed) is not always easy to spot.

The story of Evenstar Press

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Stephen F. Austin in 2010. Following my graduation, I worked closely with Master Printer Charles D. Jones in Crazy Creek Press. I was also the recipient of the Jones Studio Residency in the summer of 2010. During this residency, I completed an edition of large scale woodcuts focused on famous artist relationships. The two artist couples were Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera and Georgia O'Keefe & Alfred Stieglitz.

After working as an artist for several years, I married and moved to South Korea to teach English. These eight years were some of the most enriching and beautiful times of my life. Before leaving, I felt that as an artist I needed more perspective and life experience. Instead of pursuing my Masters in Fine Art, I changed career paths and went on an adventure. During this adventure I fell in love with South Korea, teaching, and living in the expat community. However, I was not creating artwork and I felt that vacuum in my life. Since returning to the states and beginning again as an artist, I have found new inspiration in my faith, my community in southeast D.C., and the experience of living outside of the United States.

My artwork is hand-printed and pulled, one by one, from different plates that I have carved. Every piece is uniquely designed, carved, inked, printed and editioned in my studio, Evenstar Press.