The Printing Press

At 12 am the other morning while trying to fall asleep I was thinking about making prints and how since I have not been in academic surroundings on a daily basis, and I have not had access to a printing press I have not been inspired or productive (having a one year old can also add a lack of time) to make new prints. I had also just applied for an artist residency at Harrison Lake and it was making me quite anxious to get back into the swing of things with my creative practices. So this particular evening I looked up "printing presses" on Craigslist and to my surprise this "one of a kind printing press" was listed on June first. I was so excited. It is a bit smaller but still big enough for continuing my practice of intaglio and so with some financial support from family I went to check it out and instantly fell in love.

I like old things and this has all the characteristics of something that I would be drawn to. The elderly couple that I bought it from, Francisco and Carolina, were collectors and makers of art. He had a Gordon Smith original and some amazing paintings and sculptures. It was inspiring to see someone that appreciates art and buys art, and although he loved the press it was more of a piece of art for the couple to look at since they do not practice print making much anymore. The legs are cast iron from old railroad ties and the rollers are made of wood. You manually set the pressure and crank the wheel with the large wheel. Most people that have seen it so far say "what is it for?" and don't quite understand but say it looks neat. haha. It was a custom made press and I am looking forward to trying it out. Off to Opus to get some ink and paper...