I met a character yesterday — her name is Lyna Lou, and she’s a self-described “printmaking pusher.” Actually, my fellow Studio Place Arts classmates and I dubbed her that – but she’s really just a very passionate and talented printmaker from northern Vermont, and a pretty fun person!
Monoprint images © Mary Jane Russell 2010
In hindsight I should have known I’d fall for this new technique/ medium because mono-printing, collograph, and nature printing aren’t that different from what I’ve done with fabric for years. Yet I really don’t have to confess to a new hobby, just because it involved an etching press and paper rather than fabric, . . . or do I? Unless Until I move the looms around in the downstairs studio to make more space, and start searching eBay for used presses, I think I’m OK.
For now anyway.
What are some of the supporting or ancillary mediums or techniques that you dabble in, while maintaining your primary artistic focus? How do you recognize when a serious new path emerges, and distinguish it from a dead-end diversion? Oh, and for my own sanity check I should ask . . . how many “hobbies” do you have?
MJRussell Studios 
hmmm, good questions to mull…
if it feeds your creativity, I say do it!
if you feel like it saps energy from your other passions, then table it…
then again, sometimes you don’t see the connections right away.
hmmmm.
it is hard to decide which techniques you need to make time for.
wish i had a better answer…
regarding presses, i have wondered if you could just sandwich some work between two boards and park the car on it.
just a thought? could save space until a bargain press shows up!
Now that’s an idea — I also might try the gelation monoprints again … or sign up for monthly membership at the BCA print studio. But for now I’m managing to turn my head and focus on art quilts … for the time being!