It’s on! In July and August I will be in the U.S. on a fact-finding/promo trip and residency.
I’ve been planning a printmaking-related trip to U.S. for the last two years or so. I would like to connect with the printmaking community there, get some tips that could help me develop my practice, and find out if there could be a potential market for my work there.
I’ll be starting the trip with 3-4 days in New York. There, I’ll be meeting fellow printmakers in some of the many vibrant printmaking studios dotted around the city. The studios are a mix of open access facilities and membership print clubs, and together they represent one of the most interesting printmaking communities in the world. Another reason for choosing New York is that the studios and artist printmakers are very well-supported by a network of dedicated institutions and specialist galleries, all based in and around Manhattan. Indeed, many of the most interesting commercial modern art galleries are within the Chelsea district in Manhattan west. I will be visiting some of these and meeting the gallery owners.
I also hope to visit the wonderful International Print Center New York (IPCNY). This institution promotes, supports and encourages involvement in print across the city and beyond, through local and travelling exhibitions. It also or runs workshops, guided visits and organises outreach visits to schools, spreading the word about the magic of print to future generations.
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking
After New York, I’ll be relocating to adjacent Connecticut and a two-week residency at The Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk. CCP is located in the historic stone carriage house of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Mathews Park. I’ll be staying in a dedicated cottage on the site, complete with its own printmaking facilities. In short, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, create and hopefully contribute something to their printmaking community – I’ll be giving talks and hosting workshops for the printmakers and local patrons.
Helen Frankenthaler Printmaking Cottage
I also hope to produce a body of work inspired by the surroundings, people and materials native to the area – an exciting prospect! I will be leaving one or two prints behind with CCP to put on display for visitors and to help further promote their residency programme.
I can’t wait to be there!
See more on my preparations for the trip and updates from the U.S. on social media, at: #sinclairintheusa
Center for Contemporary Printmaking Artist In Residency Programme:
https://contemprints.org/opportunities/artist-in-residency-program/
International Print Center New York (IPCNY)
https://www.ipcny.org
Dates:
New York: 17-19 July 2019
Norwalk, Connecticut: 20 July – 2 August
Find all my posts about my print stories on Twitter at: #artprintstories
Sinclair, how exciting for you to finally be able to connect with part of the printmaking community in the US. I look forward to seeing something about your experiences later this year.
Hi Maureen
Thanks for your note! Sorry for the late reply.
Yes, I’m really looking forward to my visit. Fortunately, a teaching colleague of mine has recently taken a group of students to NY and helped me out by taking info packs to IPCNY and some print studios. This should help make some contacts for me before I go. I’m particularly excited about the residency, as it will be a great opportunity to produce a specific body of work inspired by a community and a place. I’ll be posting updates whilst I’m there and it will feed into exhibitions back in the UK over the following two years. I have applied for UK Arts Council funding to help with that.
Best,
Sinclair
Well done Sinclair ….now that is really something to look forward to !!!
Thanks Aine! Yes, I’m really excited about it. I’ve been making contact with CCP in Norwalk to finalise plans for the kind of work I’ll be producing and to get the local community involved, by providing local materials for me to make printing plates. I’ve also been trying to firm up plans for visiting galleries and print institutions in New York, so it’s all becoming very real, very quickly. Also, although I’m going anyway, I’m awaiting a decision from the Arts Council to help with costs.
I’ll be posting regularly from the U.S. on social media, and will try to make more blog posts too. Thanks for signing up again! I’m planning to post on my blog today.
Best,
Sinclair