Back in November 2023 a friend of mine said “Hey! I’m going to apply to the Var Gallery 30x30x30 Exhibition, do you want to apply?” and I said “Sure!” and I did, and then I started to prepare for it over the next few weeks, and then I did not get in! No matter. I’m not new to creative challenges so I decided I would still make 30 pieces of art in 30 days so that’s what I am doing. I should mention that there were over 220 applications for the show and (obviously) only 30 are selected. While my friend did get in (Yay Maks!) one other artists I know did not get in, and another said they didn’t apply because of the application fee. (Which sucks, and I will totally cover their application fee next year if they want to apply.)
So here’s my progress so far. The first 10 prints of the month, with another 20 (or more?) to do. I stuck with the small works format of 6″ x 6″ except mine are 152.4mm x 152.4mm because I’m like that.
Each print gets framed in a 3D printed frame that I designed and printed. I used OpenSCAD to create a parametric design so I could create frames of any size. (Here’s a mention of the frame and another.)
Each of these prints was done with a 3D printed plate. I design things in Inkscape (or draw on paper and scan it in) and then extrude the design and add a backing plate in OpenSCAD. (Yeah, I need to write up a post with that whole process.) Basically I am using 3D printing to create plates for printing 2D art and then framing it in a 3D print. Okay!
Some of the prints are really simple, and some are a bit more complex. The method of using 3D printed plates sort of forces some style choices, and producing work fast also adds constraints to things, but that’s sort of the idea right? A new piece of art each day isn’t easy, but it can definitely be fun. (Especially for someone who likes to make something, move on, and then make a new thing.)
Oh, and all that paper I made last month? I’m putting it to good use. Each print features the handmade recycled paper I made. Each piece of paper is unique and each print is unique. Of course along the way I also created a 3D Printed Mould and Deckle so I could make the paper because of course I did. DIY? Duh.
I’ve been doing a lot of rainbow rolls where two or more colors are used, and I’ve been mixing inks for a few of them. I ordered some white ink but it may not arrive until February so I really should try to get some locally because I still have a few ideas that would need it. I’ve also explored texture and color and share more than I typically do when creating art, which is a fun new thing for me.
I’ve been sharing the photos of the prints online (typically on Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Pixelfed, and even… LinkedIn!?) I love sharing the things I make with the world, and I always hope others enjoy them as well. In fact, people have actually wanted some of these prints. People wanting the art I made is a strange and new experience for me. I am fortunate enough to work two jobs which allow me to survive and making prints is basically a hobby/thing I love doing. In most cases it’s been people I know who want a particular print, and I’ve found a way to accommodate their requests. (Also, how fucking awesome is it to know my art will go to friends of mine? It’s really awesome.)
If someone wants a print I ask that they cover the cost of shipping and then I ask them to use the “pay what you want” model where they get to choose the price. Selling art is weird to me. I mean, I know artists have to survive, and selling their work is one way to do that, but for me and this adventure I just need to cover the costs of the shipping and materials, and if I make any more than that then I get paid something for my time. Again, with printmaking as a hobby I’m happy that people want these and are willing to pay for them.
I have no delusions of quitting my two jobs and becoming a full-time artist because I know the amount of work needed to do so. And the work is not just “make art” but all the work around that, which is marketing and promoting your work, constantly showing your work, always creating new work, making art people want to pay for, etc. Right now I am more than happy making a print, taking a photo, sharing it online, and whatever happens happens… even if nothing happens. Worse case I have a bunch of art in my studio (er, “basement”) and eventually I give it away or throw it away.
For me the largest value of this whole process is… the process. I’ve learned a ton of new things. I’ve developed new processes for making art, I’ve learned new techniques, experimented with styles, wrote parametric code to create frames, learned how to frame things inexpensively, and as always seems to be the case when creating things, I’ve learned about myself and the things I create. I shared with my artist friend that writing about the work (even if it’s just a few lines) makes me think about the work, and often have revelations about it, or form connections to it, and see how things connect to my life, and my experiences. And that is amazing.
So yes, stay tuned… we’ve still got 2/3rds of the month go to and we’ve got more art to create!
