Its been about a month since the Bouncing Puppy Press had the opportunity to work on a collaborative print project with Kiki Smith, Valerie Hammond, Crista Cloutier, and the SCAD-Atlanta Printmkaing Department. That is not to say that this project is not still consuming a large portion of my time, but that I've just begun to understand the magnitude of the work that I am helping to create. This understanding was spurned by a sneak peak of a collection of Kiki's work that was recently purchased by the High Museum, which will be on display this fall. At that moment, surrounded by years of Kiki Smith's work it hit me . . . Oh yeah, you're working for a legend.
I've realized that the reason this took so long to sink in was because each of us were treated as equals during the entire five days we worked together. We were asked for our opinions on the work the artists' were making, and even encouraged to make suggestions about how the pieces could be improved. Perhaps this shouldn't have seemed unusual, but some people deserve to have an ego. Both Kiki and Valerie have somehow avoided this and remained extremely approachable and down to earth. I have to admit after the respect I've gained for these two artist's as people, I have gained an entirely new appreciation for the work they create.
Equally, if not more impressive than the artist's demeanor was their work ethic. There was not a moment during the five 12+ hour days that any of them seemed to stop drawing, photographing, or adjusting their work. Though it didn't seem like work at all. The almost lackadaisical manner in which Kiki Smith draws would make it seem as if many of the marks she creates occurred merely by happenstance, but her meticulous eye for detail proved otherwise. Every mark was intentional, and when even one line was missing from an incredibly detailed four color print she noticed instantly. Valerie shared this same eye for precision, especially in her photographs, and while she and Kiki shared many similarities their rendering styles were near complete opposites. Valerie draws with intensity and focus, seemingly tuning out everything but the sheet in front of her. I found it incredibly interesting that two people that seemed to have very similar personalities would draw in such drastically different ways, but that is a tangent for another time.
It was both an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to work with these great artists, and I can only hope that the prints I help create will live up to their justifiably high standards. I have no doubt that this experience will influence the way I work, and I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to work on a collaborative print project.
