s3e116 framing deep dive with Thoren Vadala

Join host Ann Shafer for a fascinating deep dive into the history of the early print trade in Europe with distinguished authors and historians Karen Bowen and Dirk Imhof. Drawing on fifteen years of meticulous research in the archives of the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp, Karen and Dirk unpack the vast socio-economic networks that powered the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century print market. From tracking international shipping routes and historical price lists to revealing the crucial, often-overlooked roles of women in print workshops and financial transactions, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for print historians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. Tune in to uncover the hidden layers behind how historical prints were produced, distributed, and valued. Show me the images !!  

Step into the grand, shadowy, and endlessly inventive world of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. In this episode, Ann and Tru conclude their conversation focusing on Piranesi's best known series, The Imaginary Prisons (Carceri).   Show me images from part two!

Join host Ann Shafer for an illuminating conversation with artist and SCAD educator Curtis Bartone. In this episode, Curtis pulls back the curtain on the alchemical medium of lithography and his secret sauce of counter etching, discussing his artistic evolution from the Midwest to Savannah, Georgia, and how he balances rigorous technical mastery with experimental mark-making. From overcoming early impostor syndrome in the printshop to breaking down the intricate processes behind standout lithographs like Overseer, Curtis shares invaluable insights into landscape transformation, the delicate challenge of knowing when a piece is finished, and what it means to "draw like an etcher." Tune in for a rich exploration of lithography, teaching, and the enduring magic of oil and water.   Show me the images !!

Step into the grand, shadowy, and endlessly inventive world of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. In this episode, Ann and Tru explore the extraordinary life and legacy of the 18th-century master printmaker, architect, and polemicist whose sweeping etchings of Rome and terrifyingly surreal Carceri (Prisons) series continue to captivate the imagination. Join us as they examine Piranesi's Venetian roots, his fierce contributions to the Greco-Roman design debates, his enduring influence on figures like Goethe, and the vital artistic legacy of his daughter, Laura Piranesi, in this deep dive into the power of copper and ink.   Show me images from part one!

Join host Ann Shafer on this episode of Platemark for a captivating journey through more than 55 years in the print world with Daniel Lienau, owner of The Annex Galleries in Santa Rosa, California. From his serendipitous beginnings at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Berkeley to studying under unorthodox educators like Janet Turner, Daniel shares a lifetime of wisdom on print dealing, collection management, and the evolution of the gallery business. Tune in as we discuss his early digital footprint connecting Santa Rosa to a global audience, the cultural significance of print history, and the various rabbit holes of research he's fallen down like prints by members of Atelier 17 and Taller de Gráfica Popular.   Show me the images !!   www.annexgalleries.com

Join us on this episode of Platemark for a captivating and deeply personal conversation with the legendary artist, illustrator, and master printmaker Barry Moser. Reflecting on a career defined by extraordinary craftsmanship and intellectual curiosity, Barry shares stories from his beginnings in Chattanooga, his transition from preaching to an ever-questioning artistic life, and the philosophy behind his monumental Pennyroyal Press editions of classics like Alice in Wonderland and the Bible. Tune in as we explore his profound dedication to teaching, his resilience in adapting his process across decades in the studio, and the enduring wisdom of a true giant of the book arts.   Show me the images !!   Cover image: Jennifer Chang Crandall Pennyroyal Press: www.moser-pennyroyal.com

In this episode of Platemark, Ann Shafer sits down with master framer Thoren Vadala of Make-A-Frame Atlantic to explore the meticulous, often overlooked world of picture framing. From the technical realities of custom woodworking versus manufactured MDF to conservation standards like cotton rag mats and UV-filtering glass, Thoren breaks down what it truly takes to protect and elevate a work of art on paper. Tune in for an engaging discussion on framing philosophy, avoiding the trap of standard black-and-white presentation, and why early collaboration between artists and framers makes all the difference.   Show me the images !!   Frameatlantic.com IG @makeitframe   Other suppliers Gaylord: gaylord.com Spink and Gabor: no website Small Corporation: smallcorp.com Bark Frames: barkframeworks.com University Products: universityproducts.com

Host Ann Shafer talks with Laura Raicovich about creativity, resistance, and alternative cultural spaces. They talk about Laura's pioneering museum leadership, her upcoming fine jewelry line Istria Napoli, and her fearless advocacy for artistic freedom outside traditional institutional boundaries. From exploring the legacy of the Queens Museum to reimagining sustainable cultural infrastructures like the Francis Kite Club, Laura shares an inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to build a versatile, impact-driven creative life.

Celebrate a milestone with Platemark as we record our first-ever live episode at the 30th anniversary of the McNay Print Fair. Host Ann Shafer is joined by master printer James Stroud (Center Street Studio) to explore the fascinating, high-stakes world of the print shop. From Jim's formative years with Stanley William Hayter at Atelier 17 to modern-day collaborations with artists like Markus Linnenbrink, this episode goes deep into the technical "magic" and the unique creative chemistry that occurs when an artist's vision meets a printer's expertise. Discover why printmaking is more than just a process—it's a community.   Show me the images !!   www.centerstreetstudio.com IG: @centerstreetstudio  

What happens when a visionary publisher collaborates with minimalist and conceptual giants like Chuck Close, Agnes Martin, and Dorothea Rockburne? In this episode, host Ann Shafer sits down with Rachel Vogel, Assistant Curator at the Addison Gallery of American Art, to explore the monumental legacy of Parasol Press. Rachel shares the behind-the-scenes stories of curating the exhibition Parasol Press: Breaking New Ground, diving into the innovative vision of founder Bob Feldman, the intricate technical synergy between artists and printers, and how this iconic press fundamentally revitalized the contemporary printmaking ecosystem. Show me the images !!