There are letterpress printers all around the world, however for my cash Alan Kitching is a model identify. One of many world’s exemplary practitioners of handbook typographic design and printmaking, identified for a contemporary, expressive use of wooden and steel, he has made a venerable medium as contemporary as it may be.
His newest enterprise is a brand new web site, which Kitching discusses right here.
Are you stunned and/or elated by the obvious improve in reputation amongst designers and printers for what I contemplate a serious revival in letterpress printing?
No, I’m not stunned that extra persons are getting concerned with the handcraft traditions. Individuals want a break from the display.
On the Royal School of Artwork, the place I as soon as taught typography, one of many first issues I used to say to my college students was, “I’m not all for letterpress printing. I’m solely all for what one could make new with this previous expertise.” This philosophy continues to tell my work at this time, notably the significance of innovating throughout the constraints of established applied sciences.
Whereas some might view letterpress as a relic of the previous, I see it as a wealthy floor for experimentation and creativity. My strategy diverges from conventional strategies, utilizing woodblock poster kind, and infrequently forgoing the printing press altogether, opting as an alternative to exert hand stress to switch inked surfaces onto paper. This tactile, hands-on course of permits for a stage of management and spontaneity that’s unmatched by digital strategies.
With the Hamilton Wooden Sort & Printing Museum’s Wayzgoose occasion, numerous wannabe printers are rising. You’re one of many pioneers. How would you distinguish your work from the remaining?
Whereas I enormously worth the Hamilton Wooden Sort museum and its Wayzgoose occasion for fostering curiosity in printing, I distinguish myself as an artist working inside a working print studio. In contrast to a museum, my focus is on actively creating printed pictures utilizing wood-block kind. This distinction emphasizes my function as a practitioner, mixing conventional craftsmanship with inventive expression to provide distinctive and unique works.
How does your new web site fit your wants higher than earlier than?
The earlier web site was outdated, serving as little greater than a static profile web page. With the brand new website, I’ve created a dynamic on-line platform that showcases my current work and features a purposeful store. This permits me to share my intensive archive of prints with the general public. General, the brand new web site higher displays my present work, engages guests extra successfully, and improves accessibility to my artwork.
While you started printing, I’m sure you had no conception that your handcraft could be exhibited to so many individuals on the net. How do you are feeling about this “revolution”?
The connection of conventional craftsmanship with trendy expertise has revolutionized how I share my work. Platforms like Instagram allow me to showcase the intricacies of letterpress printing, sparking curiosity from new audiences. This intersection is fascinating, making the traditional craft extra accessible and fascinating to a wider group.
You proceed to provide new work at a prodigious tempo. Is there extra to do? Do you ever relaxation?
There’s at all times extra to do. I’ll by no means retire from printing. Engaged on new prints and pondering up new concepts retains me engaged and energetic.
Are there any new innovations on this classic artwork and craft?
There could also be new innovations but to be found!
