Gina Louthian-Stanley

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Featured Printmaker

Gina Louthian-Stanley is a mixed-media artist who utilizes encaustic monotype in her printmaking. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

What was your first experience of printmaking?

My first experience with printmaking was in high school carving wood blocks. In college, we tried a myriad of plates and techniques ranging from etching, to collagraph, to screen printing. I fell in love with the process and ended up focusing on monotype printmaking for my thesis works. I have continued making prints ever since.

What inspires you as an artist?

I have been inspired by the fortune of having great teachers, however, I am most inspired by the natural World around me. My gardens and ponds are a huge part of my life and I try to capture some of those elements in my work.

I am also devoting some time to teaching art. I feel like part of the process is to give something back. I am sure I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. They inspire me as well.

What are you working on at present?

I am working on solar printing and experimenting with encaustic monotype. I have a hard time staying focused on any one method; I want to try clay printing, gelatin printing, and so many more. I just want to be able to work more often and push the medium as far as I can.

Estuary

'Estuary'

Whispering waters (C)

'Whispering waters' (detail)

What is special about printmaking?

Printmaking requires great skill and thought, yet there is a spontaneity about it that excites me. It is always a joyous moment to remove the paper from the print and see the print for the first time. Printmaking is a visual metaphor! There is a peaceful, natural rhythm surrounding me when I am engaged in the process of printmaking.

What is your favourite printmaking process, and why?

I would have to say that monotype printmaking is my favorite printmaking process. I have used that process since 1986, and I guess it 'feels like home' to me. I am slowly getting more interested in the possibilities of the solar platemaking process. It holds great intrigue for me and I am pleased with the look of the final prints.

What prompted you to take part in the International Print Exchange?

I have participated for the last several years and enjoy the challenge. Having an exchange is a fantastic way to connect to other printmakers and see how they work. It is fantastic when the prints arrive and you can see the visual beauty in person.

What is your favourite colour?

Typically I use a tad of Indigo mixed with Burnt Umber, or Ultramarine mixed with German Earth for my monotypes and most intaglio. I enjoy experimenting with all colors.

What is your favourite paper and ink?

I love the rich color and texture working with oil based paints and inks. When I first began printmaking, that is all I had, and I tend to go with what I know best. I am always pleased with the outcome. I have tried Akua, and Createx, especially for different techniques, papers, and plates.

I typically use Rives BFK, but also love Somerset for intaglio printing. For encaustic printmaking I use various rice papers and Kitakata is my favorite.

What kind of music do you listen to whilst printmaking?

Most of the time, I listen to the sounds outside my studio windows, especially the singing birds.

When I do listen to music, my music taste is varied. I have a 200 cd changer in the studio and let it play random segments of my favorite music. The music ranges from the 1950's to present day music, however my ears perk up when I hear classics from the 1960's. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, early Fleetwood Mac, and Van Morrison, just to name a few.

I also love classical and some movie soundtracks.

Who is your favourite printmaker?

Today, Michael Mazur, Richard Diebenkorn and Nathan Oliveira are a few of my favorites. I love Dan Weldon's works and processes and desire to learn more about the solar process.

I relish the monotypes of William Blake as well as works by Degas.

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