Printmakers

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Comment by Elizabeth Busey on February 6, 2012 at 10:00am

Thanks Matt and Lori  for your advice. I am going to create a few sentences to describe the process, ending with a way to work the conversation back to a print that the patron is looking at.  (And I will hide the block in my art fair bins.)  

I also liked a tip that I read in an article in Professional Artist: for the person who really wants to talk about art techniques -- and perhaps wants to do what you are doing -- you hand them a business card and ask them to contact you to continue the conversation.  So much to learn!

Again, thanks.

Elizabeth

Comment by Matt Bechtel on February 3, 2012 at 10:48am

Hi Elizabeth, I agree with Lori, the process should be understood by the patron, but if the discussion centers around it, and if the block is produced as a visual aid, the attention then becomes focused on the block, since that's the thing you actually created. The print is a by-product, and will become secondary in their minds. Blocks themselves are not visually appealing. I wouldn't even keep a block on-site....unless it's actually attractive. I would describe it verbally, and let the patron use their imagination. The print itself should be the focus. I'd let the mystery of it's production and the strength of the image take over. Their eyes should be on the print itself.

Comment by Lori Biwer-Stewart on February 3, 2012 at 8:19am

I think that you are right about the process being a bit of a distraction. Once I briefly explain the process I'm usually asked "how long does it take to carve this"? I hate that question because it brings the conversation to the technical part of art not the emotional part, and emotion is what makes the sale in most cases. I just keep bringing them back to "look" at the piece itself, talking about the meaning or story of the artwork.

I think the tutorial is important. I run across a lot of people who have no idea what printmaking is, and I think that there are a lot of people that see more value in the artwork when they know that it's more than just putting paint to canvas.

Comment by Elizabeth Busey on February 2, 2012 at 5:35pm

A question for printmakers:

"What is this?" People often ask this when they encounter my display.  I love talking about printmaking and enjoy discussing my process.  But I am concerned that when the discussion turns to the process, it turns people away from thinking "Hey, I might like to have this in my house!" 

So I would love some input about how to make people feel knowledgeable about my work without it becoming a tutorial on printmaking. I always have a reduced block with me to show them, but I'm worried that it too might be a distraction.  

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated,

Elizabeth

Comment by Lori Biwer-Stewart on January 16, 2012 at 11:43am

Has any of the printmakers here participated in the Omaha Art Festival recently? This looks like a nice show, but looks can be deceiving.

Comment by Judy Zeddies on December 1, 2011 at 3:27pm

Not sure about my odds as a printmaker, just got my rejection from Stephen King at Des Moines. . .

Judy

Comment by Elizabeth Busey on December 1, 2011 at 9:41am

Hi Lori,

Glad to hear from another printmaker from the midwest!  

My toughest conversation is with people who walk in and as "What was the original medium?"  Even with a block in hand, I sometimes can't convince them that I only show original art in my art tent.  I am considering bringing a discarded print to let them feel the paper, the ink, etc.  

On the other hand, it is really nice to have a better chance of getting in to shows.  It is worth a lot of explaining!

Elizabeth

Comment by Lori Biwer-Stewart on November 29, 2011 at 3:32pm

Yes your right. Our odds as printmakers to get invited to a show are much better!

Comment by Joan Tweedell on November 29, 2011 at 2:41pm

Hi Lori! I've learned to bring one of my lino blocks along to the art fairs so I can show people exactly what they are and how they are made. People are impressed when they realize how much work goes into printmaking, and are more likely to purchase one. It gives me something to talk to them about, too.

I am just as glad that there are so few printmakers out there, we can get into the better shows a lot easier than jewelers or photographers can! ;-)

 

Comment by Lori Biwer-Stewart on November 29, 2011 at 11:22am

Nice to see there's a few other printmakers out there. I work with linocut most of the time, but am experimenting with some collage and collograph incorporated into it. I'm from Northern Iowa. I meet very few fellow printmakers. Usually just a few, if that, at each festival. I usually get the ol, (Ooooh! you do STAMPS!) The I proceed to go through and explain the process as simply as I can. What do they come back with? "Oh, so where do you buy your stamps? I end with "thank you for stopping by" (with an eye roll).

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