Production Notes: Sewing Kit (2025)
It's been a few months now, so I figured with the art world slowing down to a halt a little earlier this summer, it's a good time to reflect on the production of W Editions's inaugural print... Natalie Lerner's Sewing Kit.
Creating Sewing Kit was no easy task. Over the span of 4 months, I used around 80 full sheets of stock paper in trial proofs, test proofs, and adjustments to the plate and overall process to achieve the final set of 25 prints.
Using the lengthy process of wheat paste chine collé—something you rarely see used with lithography—Natalie and I achieved a delicate atmospheric image that I find to be somewhat peaceful and makes me consider how I occupy space and time.
With only a basic black ink and the yellow-beige ultra thin Japanese made Gampi, a soft and delicate world emerges.
I wish I was able to record myself in the midst of printing. There was a dance I had to keep up with so that the paper wouldn't dry out too quickly, or so that the ink wouldn't start to spread out on the plate. If the humidity was too high the paper would stick to the plate and rip, but if the humidity was too low then the gampi wouldn't stick to the base paper. The ink also had to be just the right ratio of tackiness and stiffness.
I loved printing this limited edition. It was a good challenge and was honestly really fun. I also loved working with Natalie! She comes from a family of artists and we had the best conversations while in her studio.
I hope you found this interesting because I personally think it's interesting to know how a print was made and the challenges each printmaker faces.
I'm not done with W Editions yet despite being somewhat silent for the last few months! A LOT has happened globally and personally. There's still so much I want to do with this project and I have a lot of new ideas. Everything takes time, though... Stay tuned...
You can learn more about Sewing Kit by clicking here, or by emailing me at the email listed below or even by replying to this email.
I am happy to answer any questions, and I also welcome any feedback or thoughts you might have. :)