Print Contest Interviews Printmakers Chine-collé Collagraphs Drypoints Etchings Linocuts Lithographs Monoprints Photogravure Screen Prints Other Prints Woodcuts Join Our eMail List Join Print Forum Site Map

An Interview With Lora Shelley

Here at "Hand Pulled Prints" we want the potential clients, as well as any one interested, to get to know the artists' featured here. These prints are created by hard working folks and we try to provide a little background on the printmakers and why they do what they do.

1. Where are you from?

LS: Originally NJ - Now NY in the Catskills. 2. When did you start printmaking?

LS: About18 years ago. 3. Where did you learn how to make prints?

LS: A lot of my printmaking knowledge is from books and trial and error. I did attend a few classes one in college (etching) another at the Printmaking Council of NJ (woodcut) and a workshop in Rosendale, NY at the Women's Studio Workshop. (large format color wood block) 4. What is you favorite style of printmaking?

LS: Monotypes. 5. Can you describe this printmaking technique?

LS: For me it's using a plexiglass plate and creating a drawing/painting onto the plate with oil based ink and transferring it onto a piece of paper. This technique inspires a lot of spontaneity. It enables me to work through a lot of ideas at a good pace. 6. Do you currently have your own printmaking "area", such as a studio or class room?

LS: Since I am working from my house which is short on space -- I clear out areas when I am printmaking (Sometimes in my painting studio and sometimes in my Loom room) 7. Who would you say is your favorite printmaker? Both living or dead?

LS: I adore the printwork of Edvard Munch. Living Printmaker would be Rona Green 8. How do you find your subject matter in your work?

LS: I am using pretty much the same subject that I use in my paintings -- usually expressive figurative work. 9. Is there something in printmaking, whether it be a style or process, that you do not like?

LS: I am not fond of the chemicals. I have a lot of allergies and I can't handle too many chemicals. I try to keep it simple and as natural as possible. 10. Are you a neat and orderly person or messy and like to "spread out"?

LS: Messy. 11. Was there any one person or artist that was the reason you started printmaking?

LS: Probably Munch or Kathe Kollwitz. 12. What would you say is your favorite print that you have ever made? And do you have a picture of it?

LS: It depends which day you ask. Most recently I really like a new color monotype and a black and white woodcut of my cat. 13. How would you describe yourself as a printmaker?

LS: Explorative. I like to try things that I have never tried before. I get excited when things workout well. Sometimes there are positive results and sometimes I will work all day on a piece and It just won't work out the way I had hoped. 14. How often do you make prints?

LS: As often as possible. Depends on the week or month. 15. Do you think that your printmaking will change much in the next five years? Why or why not?

LS: Yes I hope so. I plan on trying new techniques like chine colle (which is a collage process) Also I've never tried lithography and I would love to. 16. Do you teach at all?

LS: Not at the moment. 17. Are you active in any printmaking organizations or artist groups?

LS: I am currently active in the Copley Society of Boston -- I show there in their small works shows on a regular basis. I frequently show at the Woodstock Artist Assoc. in NY and an artist co-op in Phoenicia, NY called the Arts Upstairs. I used to be a member at the Printmaking Council of NJ. 18. What advice would you give to those people just starting to get into printmaking?

LS: Have fun and don't be afraid of trying new things. Don't be intimidated. 19. Is there something that you find fulfilling when you have finished a print? What is it? or Can you describe this feeling?

LS: When a print comes out good it is a wonderful feeling. I love the surprises, the "Happy Accidents" It's a healthy High. 20. Would you say you have been successful in printmaking? Why or why not?

LS: It depends which day the question is asked and what I am working on. Overall I suppose the answer is yes. 21. What other forms of artwork besides printmaking do you enjoy?

LS: Painting, collage and weaving to name a few. I really love handmade things. 22. Who are your "heroes"? (they do not have to be printmakers)

LS: Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Kathe Kollwitz, Gauguin, Bonnard (for his color), Munch, Klimt, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Alice Neel, Van Gogh and many others!