I knew I couldn’t leave Italy without taking an active part in the art culture there, so with the help of a friend I booked a printmaking workshop at Il Bisonte Foundation in Florence. The school is in an historic building with a charming courtyard, flowering vines, and walls that vibrate with tradition. I had no expectations going in, I really just wanted to put myself in a room with other artists in this idyllic country.
During my 4 hour instruction with Federica I learned about some of the many techniques used in modern printmaking, with only a goal of playing in mind. I learned printmaking is a painstaking and laborious process with tons of experimenting and perfecting. Most of the artists were makings very distinct and delicate images, the largest of which was probably around 8x10”. Very opposite to my large-scale paintings that welcome accidents and uncontrolled mark making.
It was so interesting to work alongside people who spend days polishing and preparing the metal plate before even applying any ink to see an actual image. It was a beautiful reminder of the patience I’ve been working to cultivate more of in the art of my life!