Another try at the 2nd color, and 3rd color on it's way

Did a few with the extended green filler part of the screen extended a tiny bit further. Looked worse because of leaking where I didn't tape right. Ho hum. Also, tonight I worked on the screen filler part of the 3rd color. yup.

Touching up the screen

Because registration was off. Or rather, the second screen was off and a bit bigger than the yellow screen.
Exciting post, I know.

touching up the screen

It's going Okay....

So, I want it to go perfectly. As a perfectionist, I expect nothing less. But, whatever I guess. Its' handmade, so can it always be perfect? And furthermore, do I always need to strive for perfection? Ducks in a row?
My registration is off. Seems like I have too much screen filler on both sides. So, I did print a bunch, but will also adjust the screen printer and try again tomorrow, or very early this week as I am running out of time here!!!

They all came out like this with a bit extra on each side. meh.

And more

Yes, another post tonight. Only because I realized that I have pinholes and needed a second coat of screen filler. And since I'm supposed to be documenting EVERYTHING, here ya go.

Pinholes!

recoat!

Screen Filler Technique

So I have abandoned paper and acetate stencils as they just don't work. The next step was to use photo emulsion. Problem----I need to print out transparencies on acetate and my printer cannot handle that. It just smudges everything. And I don't think my school would appreciate me leading up the expensive laser copiers with acetate, so I guess I will try this screen filler technique. My trusty speedball dvd showed me the way.

with the photograph underneath, and the screen taped up, I outlined my art in pencil

The screen must be raised up off the table

screen filler and brushes. Screen filler must be stirred, not shaken

starting to bush the screen filler on

finished with front side

touch ups on the back and now it needs to dry over night

An Interview with Screen Printer John Ahlen

I was able to interview John Ahlen tonight along with his wife Marie. John had a long and successful career in screen printing making prints for well-known artists, as well as original prints and cards himself and in collaboration with other artists including John Stritch and Julio Grande. As far as screen-printing, John has been known to create pieces with over 50 colors, and therefore 50 screens were used. Some of his techniques were very unique and experimental. John offered me some valuable advice as far as how to teach middle school students screen printing.
Some tips include:
1. make it simple for them and myself.
2. prepare the screen myself so students can print instead of prepping.
3. Use techniques that work well such as photo emulsion rather than paper stencils or plastic stencils.
I have an hour of tape and film I will transcribe this weekend.
Thanks John!

An interview with Primm at The Dolphin Studio

It was an honor to meet with and interview Primm tonight! Aside from asking the standard protocol of interview questions that I must ask everyone so the thesis must stay valid, I was able to ask her questions about teaching, art and her life. Ever since moving to the Berkshires just 6 years ago, I realized how much I love the history of these small towns and the people who carry their stories. The Berkshires are a small community and it was exciting to know that we (Primm and myself) had so much in common as far as people we have known throughout the years and teaching. Primm and her late husband John were the head of the art department and taught at Monument Mountain High School, whereas I teach at Monument Valley Middle School, just down the hill. I student taught with Alice who was the former middle school art teacher who Primm knew very well. My favorite part of the night was viewing the very first calendar Primm & John ever made in the late 1960's when they were living in Ireland. (I have this on video!)I have an hour of tapes and videos to view, edit and transcribe this weekend for my research. In the meantime, I do have these photos of the fabulous studio. To learn more about this fabulous family, go to http://thedolphinstudio.com/