Print 3D

Traditionally printmaking exists in 2D world, surrounded by drawing, painting, collage, and even digital media. But the digital side has been rapidly changing over the last few years, and 3D digital printers have made their mark.

As a person who has always worked with their hands, I have a love/hate relationship with technology. Don't get me wrong. I'm by no means a modern-day Luddite, and I have incorporated many technologies into my studio practice at Pele. Not to mention that, strictly speaking, the presses I use were once considered the latest and greatest in the way of technology. There is a constant push/pull between my need to create by hand and my desire to incorporate newer digital tools. Most people who have worked with me have heard me talk about the importance of the "evidence of hand" in art. I believe there is such a thing as too perfect, and it's in the small imperfections where beauty often lies. Taking a phrase from the late t-shirt design shop Imperfect Articles, "perfectly imperfect" is a thing.

All of this said, technology provides an amazing complement to the handmade. And while 3D printing isn't exactly new, there have been huge strides in the last couple of years in expanding its scope, affordability, and reach. Following the Maker Movement reveals a seemingly endless string of ideas and innovations that I find fascinating. Some standouts include incorporating hydrographic film with 3D printed objects, designing intricate 3D shapes and designs using edible chocolate instead of plastic, and even creating 3D printed custom prosthetics for animals.

Seeing ideas like these gets the wheels spinning in my head. Who knows...someday we might just add a 3D printer to the Pele bag of tricks.

The Art of Video Games

I've played video games most of my life. Sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. But they are always there, and they have become a major part of our modern culture as a whole. When I play video games, I can't help but to be drawn to the visuals. In 2012, the Smithsonian Institute curated an exhibition called The Art of Video Games, which celebrated 40 years of video game art. It truly is an art form, one to be appreciated like any other. Thinking about what I consider some of the best video games from a visual perspective, I have four standouts that come to mind today.

Fun – Loco Roco

Loco Roco is all about being a kid. The colors and simple shapes interact and move in ways that just make you smile. Everything about it playful and fun.

Beautiful – flOw

This game is mesmerizingly beautiful and simple to learn. Plus the amoeba-like creatures are right up my alley at the intersection of art and science. The game was designed by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark, and it was created as part of Jenova's MFA thesis.

Abstract – Dots

2Modern got it right when they said that Dots is a game that Damien Hirst could endorse (and other artists as well, I'm sure!). Just as the name implies, this app puzzle game consists of simple dots that the player connects.

Realist – BioShock

I'm usually not a fan of first person shooters, but the BioShock series has been great from the beginning. In this pseudo-realist world, intense story lines and apropos themes make for an addictive and visually stunning game.

A Few of My Favorite Things

At the beginning of March, Pele Prints exhibited at Art on Paper in NY. It was such a beautiful fair, and I'm so happy we could be a part of it. One of the best things about the show was seeing so much incredible work in one place, up close and personal. I've put together a few of my favorite highlights to share here. Enjoy!

Pele Prints booth
(Carly Kurka, Jessie Van der Laan, Laura Berman, Xochi Solis,
Ken Wood, Alicia LaChance, Benjamin Guffee)

Tahiti Pehrson, installation of 17' hand-cut paper columns

Sarah Hinckley, watercolors at Littlejohn Contemporary

Valerie Hammond, paper installation

Dharma Strasser MacColl, mixed media on paper at Traywick Contemporary

Rashaad Newsome, lithographs based on dance performances at Tamarind Institute

Timothy Paul Myers (in collaboration with Andrew Barnes), life-size room installation constructed in felt

Steven Ford, prints at Dolan/Maxwell

Step It Up a Notch

*Prepares soapbox*

Most of us have a political or social opinion. Many of us don't vote or participate in our government. All of us in this country have benefited in some way from the privileges of being in America. If you think that politics doesn't affect you, you are sorely mistaken. It affects each and every one of us. I believe that if everyone one of us stepped it up a notch in terms of civic and political involvement, this country would be a better place. That means if you aren't registered to vote, if you don't usually vote, if you have never called your representatives, if you have never marched or protested, NOW IS THE TIME!

In an effort to remind myself of how I want to move forward in difficult times, here is my top 7 list for stepping up:

• VOTE
  In every election, no excuses. Those who came before us fought long and hard for this right, and many people in the world do not have this privilege. Don't take it for granted.
• CALL/WRITE
  Our representatives are there to do just that: represent. Whether you voted for them or not, they still have an obligation to do their job. If enough constituents consistently call and write their elected officials, we can make a difference.
• VOLUNTEER
  Get involved in campaigning for a candidate, whether at the local, state, or federal level. Become an election judge if you are able. Volunteer for organizations that lobby for the causes that are most important to you.
• READ
  Do your homework. This means not relying on just one source for information. This also means taking the time to educate yourself on what bills are being voted on in congress and where your representatives stand on those issues.
• SPEAK UP
  We all have a voice...make it heard. It's ok to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is not comfortable to do so. Learning to use your voice, especially when people assume you agree with them and you don't, is so important.
• DONATE
  If you are able, donate money to your favorite candidate, charity, or social organization. Whether we like it or not, money talks.
• MARCH
  Protest and march for those causes that matter to you. And then protest and march again for those causes that matter to your friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. We need to support one another to make real change.

Someone said to me recently that it feels like a full time job to stay on top of politics right now. It isn't convenient. But many of us have taken for granted how easy it has been to be an American for far too long. There is such a thing as civic duty. It's time for each and every one of us to step it up a notch.

Looking Forward

Sometimes events in the world make it difficult to feel positive about the future. I'm a firm believer in trying to make the best of it though, and, when all else fails, at least looking forward to something that is a positive force.

In the spirit of looking (way) forward, Future Library, is a 100-year project by Norwegian artist Katie Paterson. I first heard about this amazing project last year from Make:. "A thousand trees have been planted in Nordmarka, a forest just outside Oslo, which will supply paper for a special anthology of books to be printed in one hundred years time. Between now and then, one writer every year will contribute a text, with the writings held in trust, unpublished, until 2114."

The project pulls together so many elements that are important to me: art, reading, paper, nature, and collaboration. Not to mention leaving a positive legacy...such an inspiration. Find and celebrate what inspires you.

Katie Paterson, Future Library

Feather Fondness

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not too fond of birds. Between the pooping on everything, the weird dinosaur connection, and the territorial mockingbirds attacking my sweet dog in the yard, birds are not my favorite of creatures. But feathers...that's a different story.

Feathers are incredible and beautiful. The science behind feathers is fascinating. They are integral to the flight of birds, adapting and adjusting "on the fly." Their color provides some of the most beautiful palettes in nature. The various hues can protect the bird from predators, ward off bacteria, help to attract a mate, and even regulate hormones. Whenever the lines of form and function merge so wonderfully, I'm intrigued.

Bird of Paradise, photo by Robert Clark

Quetzal, photo by Robert Clark

Lyre Bird, photo by Robert Clark

Golden Breasted Starling, photo by Robert Clark

Goals = Opportunities

Sometimes your life gets turned upside-down. It's not always our choice, but we can choose how we react to the upheaval. I choose to focus on the goals and opportunities surrounding the changes in my life. As part of this, I've been thinking a lot about my business: where I want it go, how I want it to grow, and what I want to create. There are so many great resources out there to help with this...and it's time to revisit some of my favorites as I think about my goals for Pele.

As a reader, one of my go-to resources is (of course) a book. Years ago, my friend and teacher gave me an incredible book, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I consider this a must read for all women in business. She faces the issues of women in the workplace head on, acknowledging all of the factors of education, patriarchy, family, feminism, leadership, and goal setting. It's encouraging to read a successful woman's take on issues that so many women face throughout their work life.

 

Grace Bonney from Design Sponge is one of my favorite inspirational business women. As part of her 100 episode podcast series, After the Jump, she tackled the topic of "The 12 Things I Wish I'd Known When I started My Business." Starting off, Grace says that she's inspired by her mistakes and things that have gone wrong. They truly are learning opportunities. As I look at my goals for the studio, it helps to be reminded of some of her tidbits of knowledge:

• Ask for what you want
• Dream big
• Trust your gut
• Learn to say no
• Be proud and promote
• Embrace change

Another great goal-oriented business tool I've found helpful is a model by Charlie Gilkey for The 3 Goals of Any Business Activity. He points out that any business activity should fall into at least one of three categories: generating cash flow, generating opportunities, and generating visibility. "As a quick hint, if it’s not clear how an activity in your business leads to one of the goals above, it’s time to determine whether you should continue to do that activity." So true.

As I look at what I've created at Pele and what my goals are for the future, I'm always aware that it takes a village. I'm so thankful to the people who help me reach my goals and bring out the best in me. Mom, Maryanne, Dad, Gary, all of the great Pele artists, and so many more...I couldn't do this without you! Let's do this.