
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Ann Shafer, fine art prints evangelist, curator, and art historian
Why do fine art prints (etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, screenprints, etc.) and printmaking draw such fervent practitioners, collectors, and fans? Find out how prints were the first internet disseminating images since the mid-15th century. Find out why it takes a village to make, sell, study, and collect these affordable beauties. Who are all these people in the print ecosystem, anyway? Series one looks at prints and printmaking and how they fit in in the context of museums, the market, critiques, and the print ecosystem. Series two offers a history of prints and printmaking in the West. Series three offers interviews with the people who perform various roles in the print ecosystem. Platemark offers a bit of art history, artistic creativity, and introduces listeners to artists, printers, dealers, print publishers, gallerists, art historians, curators, and scholars. Host Ann Shafer is a curator specializing in prints and printmaking. Formerly she was a curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. She's a podcaster, blogger, and organizer of the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair.
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In this episode of Platemark, host Ann Shafer sits down with Marie Tennyson, Executive Director of the Lower East Side Printshop who shares her inspiring journey from starting at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) at age 22 to championing one of New York City's most vital artistic hubs. Discover the rich history of the Lower East Side Printshop—born during a 1968 teachers' strike—and learn how it continues to provide affordable studio space, foster emerging talent, and invite artists of all backgrounds to experience the collaborative magic of printmaking. Tune in for an engaging conversation about community, artistic innovation, and keeping the printmaking tradition alive and accessible. Show me the images !! https://printshop.org/ IG @printshoporg
In this episode of Platemark, we sit down with exceptional artist, printmaker, animator, and educator Jenny Schmid for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersections of history, art, and activism. We explore how historical figures like Käthe Kollwitz and José Posada influence Jenny's contemporary practice, delve into her fascinating project "Disembodied Reembodied," and celebrate the vital role of the Minnesota printmaking community in resisting oppressive systems. Jenny also shares a glimpse into her upcoming work examining midwifery, witch accusations, and women's labor history. Show me the images !! https://jennyschmid.com/ https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/cf19f0b0a7414dceb28f1fcd0dbd1ac7 https://vimeo.com/1087246787?fl=pl&fe=sh Please note: This episode contains sensitive discussions regarding the history of violence and racism in America, the murder of George Floyd, ICE, and the current socio-political landscape; listener discretion is advised.
Ever wonder about the incredible artistry hiding in your wallet? In this episode, Ann sits down with Tom Hipschen, a former master engraver at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing who spent nearly four decades crafting the very banknotes and postage stamps we handle every day. Tom takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary career—from his grueling decade-long apprenticeship and serving as the lead picture engraver for the $20 bill, to engraving over 130 US postage stamps. We delve into the fascinating intersection of centuries-old hand engraving, cutting-edge anti-counterfeiting technology, and a poignant look at his legacy as he navigates life with essential tremor. Tune in for a conversation that will completely change how you look at the everyday prints right in your pocket. Show me the images !!
In this episode, host Ann Shafer sits down with Venezuelan-born artist and educator Reinaldo Gil Zambrano. Based in Spokane, Washington, Reinaldo is a relief printmaking specialist whose work explores themes of home, heritage, and the universal human experience. As an Assistant Professor at Gonzaga University and co-founder of the Spokane Print and Publishing Center, Reinaldo discusses his commitment to "democratic" art-making and his role as a bilingual bridge-builder in the global print community. From his early education at United World College to his recent solo museum debut, Reinaldo shares how storytelling and collaboration remain at the heart of everything he carves. Show me the images !! 🔗 Relevant Links Reinaldo's Artist Website: rgzprints.com Spokane Print and Publishing Center: spokaneprint.org "Pulling Roots" Exhibit at the Northwest Museum: Northwest Museum - Reinaldo Gil Zambrano Spokane Print Fest: spokaneprintfest.org United World Colleges (Costa Rica): uwccostarica.org
In this episode, host Ann Shafer sits down with Val Lucas, the artist and master printer behind Bowerbox Press. From her early shift from painting to printmaking at MICA to her current work casting custom metal type and ornaments, Val shares her journey through the tactile, meticulous world of letterpress. We dive into the technical evolution of the craft—balancing traditional handset type with modern polymer plates—and discuss the vibrant, tight-knit community of women preserving this historic art form. Join us for a deep dive into the patience, machinery, and artistry required to keep the "magic of the press" alive in a digital age. IG: @bowerbox www.bowerbox.com Show me the images !!
In s2e38, Ann and Tru continue their History-of-Prints conversation about Venice in the 18th century. This is part three of three in which we talk about father and son, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. Shift your gaze from the canals to the clouds as we explore the whimsical, light-filled world of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. A master of the Rococo, Tiepolo brought a sense of effortless spontaneity to his etchings, moving his needle with the fluidity of a pen. We break down his transition into the world of "Scherzi di Fantasia," where mythical scenes and fantastical themes come to life with remarkable finesse. Unlike the rigid reproductions of the past, Tiepolo's prints offer a personal narrative and a direct line to his wildest fantasies, proving why he remains one of the most enchanting storytellers in the history of art. Show me the images !!
What happens when you trade a job at Kinko's for a career as one of the art world's most provocative curators? In this episode, Ann sits down with the legendary Nato Thompson to explore how he navigates the complex intersections of community, culture, and the "art ecosystem." They dive into his latest mission—The Alternative Art School—where he is dismantling the myth of the solitary genius and building a global, accessible sanctuary for creatives. From the rise and fall of NFT hype to the deeply collaborative parallels between his work and the printmaking community, Nato shares why lean-in community support is the ultimate fuel for any artistic journey. Join them for an energizing look at how to find your calling by embracing the "crazy" and connecting with the collective. IG: @NatoThompson, @thealternativeartschool www.thealternativeartschool.com
In s2e37, Ann and Tru continue their History-of-Prints conversation about Venice in the 18th century. This is part two of three in which we talk about Canaletto. While often remembered as a topographical painter of postcards, Canaletto was, in fact, a master of curated reality. In this segment, they examine how Canaletto transformed the ordinary streets and canals of Venice into grand, cinematic scenes. Whether using the camera obscura to manipulate perspective or painting en plein air, he captured the "Venetian Vibe" with a meticulous yet lively brush. We take a deep dive into his Capricci—imaginative visions and cityscapes that felt more like Venice than the city itself—and discuss how his work became the ultimate souvenir for travelers seeking to bottle the spirit of the floating city. Show me the images !!
Why do fine art prints (etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, screenprints, etc.) and printmaking draw such fervent practitioners, collectors, and fans? Find out how prints were the first internet disseminating images since the mid-15th century. Find out why it takes a village to make, sell, study, and collect these affordable beauties. Who are all these people in the print ecosystem, anyway? Series one looks at prints and printmaking and how they fit in in the context of museums, the market, critiques, and the print ecosystem. Series two offers a history of prints and printmaking in the West. Series three offers interviews with the people who perform various roles in the print ecosystem. Platemark offers a bit of art history, artistic creativity, and introduces listeners to artists, printers, dealers, print publishers, gallerists, art historians, curators, and scholars. Host Ann Shafer is a curator specializing in prints and printmaking. Formerly she was a curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. She's a podcaster, blogger, and organizer of the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair.
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