Event Title
Superstitions and Rituals of the Print Shop
Location
McGregor Rooms F-G
Start Date
25-9-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
25-9-2014 3:30 PM
Description
Panel Proposal: Superstitions and Rituals in the Print Shop
Abstract: Printmaking, a medium that utilizes rational knowledge and a concrete understanding of scientific processes and chemistry, seems like a rather unlikely field for superstitions to abound. However, it is surprising to note that this is generally not the case, as the field is chock full of ritualistic behaviors, superstitions, and “good luck” objects. Printmakers, much like athletes, tend to be a very superstitious lot. This may be due to the fact that the act of printmaking with its emphasis on process, is performance based, much like athleticism. The types of superstitious behavior and ritual associated with printmaking are wide ranging, from the ritualistic, seemingly irrational behaviors of individual printmakers to the creation of objects, such as print altars and deities, set up in different shops throughout the country.
This light-hearted panel will take a closer look at some of these superstitious behaviors associated with printmaking, examine the factors that cause superstitious behaviors to arise, and discuss the value that superstition and ritual holds for the success of the printmaker.
Session Abstract
Superstitions of Printshop Abstract.pdf (25 kB)
Included in
Superstitions and Rituals of the Print Shop
McGregor Rooms F-G
Panel Proposal: Superstitions and Rituals in the Print Shop
Abstract: Printmaking, a medium that utilizes rational knowledge and a concrete understanding of scientific processes and chemistry, seems like a rather unlikely field for superstitions to abound. However, it is surprising to note that this is generally not the case, as the field is chock full of ritualistic behaviors, superstitions, and “good luck” objects. Printmakers, much like athletes, tend to be a very superstitious lot. This may be due to the fact that the act of printmaking with its emphasis on process, is performance based, much like athleticism. The types of superstitious behavior and ritual associated with printmaking are wide ranging, from the ritualistic, seemingly irrational behaviors of individual printmakers to the creation of objects, such as print altars and deities, set up in different shops throughout the country.
This light-hearted panel will take a closer look at some of these superstitious behaviors associated with printmaking, examine the factors that cause superstitious behaviors to arise, and discuss the value that superstition and ritual holds for the success of the printmaker.
Comments
Abstracts for Individual Presentations:
Getting in the Zone
Artists who visit the print shop for the first time can face some unsettling problems in dealing with new people, new processes, and a new environment. The best master printers have learned how to put the artist at ease by utilizing several rituals and ceremonies. Many are traditional to the print shop, others are peculiar to specific shops and printers.
Added to these special rituals are the individual superstitions of the printers who have their own eccentric “mojos” that they employ to get in their zones. Some have “press gods” that they hang over the presses. Some have particular music by which they work. Some wear lucky clothes or hats, or carry little amulets in their pockets.
For example, Master Printer Jerry Manson of Flatbed Press in Austin, Texas always kept his wooden Tiki god near him when editioning. Master Printer Tracy Mayrello, also of Flatbed Press, wears the same lucky apron for all printing.
Mark Smith will explore how these various rituals, ceremonies, and magical objects, and “mahoochies” function to help artists and printers get in “the zone” in the print shop.