An Interview With Robert Viana

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.

RV: I was born in Boston, MA.

RV: I started printmaking in 7th Grade with linocuts. They were terrible.

RV: At Plymouth State University, New Hampshire in the 90's. My BFA is in studio art with a printmaking focus.

RV: Japanese Moku Hanga wood block printing. (though I have not made many prints using this technique)

RV: I carve my images into prepared solid cherry wood blocks. I then print one block per color registering them with kento marks. I use powdered pigments for color and mix them with rice paste right on the block. I prefer the Yamaguchi Hosho paper available at the “Baren Mall.” It is the best!

RV: I have a studio that I share with my girlfriend. (Though I seem to take it over).

RV: Jim Dine – Living. Durer - Dead

RV: I think that it is found a lot in my surroundings when the image is of nature. A lot of the stuff I do come right out of my crazy head. I think I might be a little mental. I also get great ideas from my girlfriend. She is quite brilliant.

RV: Cleaning.

RV: I am a total slob. If there is a flat surface anywhere near me I will take it over. I try not to but it still happens.

RV: Terry Downs was the reason. He is a great friend and mentor. A master printmaker that taught me a shit pile of techniques in college.

RV: There was this large print I made in college that was one of the best works I had done at the time. It was accepted into the Boston Printmakers Biennial.

RV: Obsessed. I love to make prints as well as try to promote other peoples. I want the world to see that this is not a dying art and have a better appreciation for these fine works of art. I cannot tell you how many times that I have tried to explain to another person about printmaking and they respond with, “So you make stamps?” I am a printmaking fanatic.

RV: Almost everyday.

RV: I hope so. If not, then I am getting lazy. I hope that I will learn more and do more.

RV: I do not teach any longer. I have instructed in small groups. I haven’t the time though I would enjoy doing it again.

RV: Yes. I am a member of the great “Baren Forum” founded by Dave Bull, a fantastic woodblock printmaker. The Southern Graphics Council, The American Print Alliance. I have started my own organization as well at www.printmakers.info. I am also a member of a couple local art leagues here in Florida.

RV: Don’t ever give up. Ever. No matter how terrible a print comes out, remember, you are still printmaking! That is all that matters. Also, make art for yourself…if someone else likes it, that is just a bonus.

RV: In woodcuts, the feeling is “Damn it, my hands hurt! Thank god that is done. I can’t wait to do the next one. ” In etching, I love when the first print is pulled of the press, even if it sucks ass.

RV: Yes and No. I would say that in terms of sales, my work does sell, so yes. In terms of quality, No. I am not happy yet with the work that I have produced. I need to do more and branch out into different subject matter. I feel that I have not created nearly as many different prints as I should have by now.

RV: Oil and acrylic painting, restoration of antique gilded frames, paintings and furniture. I repair sculptures sometimes.

RV: Terry Downs, Annette Mitchell, Dave Bull, Lucian Freud, Rembrandt, Durer. My Girlfriend Kelly, My dog Rudy. My brother Jeff and Fred.