Katie Dean: Printmaker
Katie Dean: Printmaker
A look into Katie Dean's print making studio and art work
I love to support artists in my community, especially when they are friends.
So when Katie gave me the opportunity to document her studio space and record her at work I was happy to oblige. We set up a time and began shooting at her studio in the North End of Tacoma (video below).
Katie kindly welcomed me and led me down to her basement studio. She warned me that the lighting was not good, but to my surprise, the light shined and diffused nicely through the translucent garage door glazing. This combined with the warm yellowy overhead lights in the workspace made for a peaceful and welcoming artistic space.
It is not a large studio space. The desk, print drying, and printing press are condensed into an efficient group. You can imagine her working and knowing exactly where everything is and within reach like a submarine mechanic. The vintage printing press cranks away in a soothing rhythmic and metallic chant while the artist turns, takes, and places, all in syncopated time with the machine.
The beautiful floral prints and swirling crisp linework reveal her strong, self-assured and feminine personality.
Katie is a playful and fun person and she enjoys what she does. Her joy and skill are noticeable and real. It can be observed in the calm and intentional use of her hands carving into blocks or attending confidently to the hulking press. The art she makes is like a window. The beautiful floral prints and swirling crisp linework reveal her strong, self-assured and feminine personality.
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You can learn more about Katie Dean’s work on her website and Etsy store:
https://katie-dean.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/littlegreencards?section_id=15282113