FAQ

Printmaking, an art form consisting of the production of images, usually on paper but occasionally on fabric, parchment, plastic, or other support, by various techniques of multiplication, under the direct supervision of or by the hand of the artist. Such fine prints, as they are known collectively, are considered original works of art, even though they can exist in multiples. - As defined by Britannica

• All artworks from my studio are produced solely by my own hands and are either from original woodblock carvings, linoleum block carvings or in the form of letterpress via handset type or modern polymer plates, printed on an antique platen press. 

 

• For letterpress printing, I currently have a 5x8 Kelsey Excelsior table top platen press  - and we love her so. Salvaged from an estate sale, this ol’ gal has been our most recent pride and joy. Rusty and dusty, I gave her a good clean and she’s back up and running and rollin’ up a storm for all things letterpress! She is small but she is mighty. With this small hand crank press, I are able to accommodate several types of bespoke announcement cards, wedding invitations, business cards and personalized stationary as well as greetings card like those you found on our website.

• For our various sized linoleum or wood block relief prints, I mainly use my roller press from The Portable Printing Press Company. With this press I can accommodate all hand carved prints up to a poster size A7 (36inx24inch). 

Depending on the nature of the project and paper used, I do also tend to use my hands quite a bit as my “tools” too. Especially when printing tree ring stump prints, something quite small or when making a test print. Occasionally, to create a blend effect or color gradient I will often use my fingers, or a brush to “paint” ink directly onto the carving block.

Traditionally a baron designed for printmaking is used when printing by hand. A baron can often take the shape of many found objects in the home or studio, such as a wooden spoon or in my case, the tool of choice for hand pressing is actually an old plastic rice cooker spoon. Indication will be made in the description of each print when it has been printed solely by hand and the price may reflect that accordingly. 

 

 

Where ever possible, I have taken measures to reduce both studio and material waste. As of 2020, I have consciously decided it is best for the business to make the move away from plastic. What does this mean for the studio and for you as a consumer?

• Ink: I use Caligo Safe Wash Relief inks on nearly every project that comes through my studio. This ink is oil based but has been modified for safe clean up and is washable with just every day soap and water (I even use bio safe detergent too!) and does not require the use of harmful solvents nor does it omit harmful or toxic fumes (although I do keep the studio well ventilated for safety’s sake). Where possible I have also been experimenting with soy and vegetable inks to reduce toxins in the studio as much as possible.

• Paper: Over the past year I have been experimenting with paper quite a bit and strive to use as much of recycled or post consumer card stock or tree-less paper as much as possible. I also currently stock renewable paper sources such as %100 cotton rag papers and bamboo paper for all of in house projects. 

• Packaging: My goal is to go completely plastic free and provide as many low waste, acid free and recyclable or compostable packaging options as possible. While more product research is still taking place, I do currently provide recycled (and recyclable) mailing materials such as ridged cardboard mailers and tubes, paper packing tape and tissue/ packaging. If you are a shop, business or wholesale customer and would prefer plastic sleeves for cards and prints please contact directly via studio@genevapuryear.com and we can discuss the plant based cello sleeve options we have available. If you do receive plastic packing materials in your order, please note I have steadily been using up the last of my current stock received prior to making the switch. 

• Paper Waste Disposal: One of my passion projects over the years has been the art of paper making. Whenever possible, I save as much usable paper waste accumulated from past projects in the studio to later be turned into paper pulp to make a variety of bespoke handmade papers and other products. Past handmade options by the artist have included Japanese kozo paper (though this was not post consumer waste), native seed paper from scraps, jean scrap paper, recycled cotton paper from cotton clothing scraps, recycled cotton rag paper and even dryer lint paper! The options are endless and when there is enough paper waste to create more, it will be posted to our project inquires options!