Blog Entry – Alexys Hewlett
Recently, our Three-Dimensional course with Professor Tracy Shell was able to work with artist Aimee Joyaux. For two weeks, we traveled to Aimee’s workshop/studio in Downtown Petersburg to learn a few techniques for making our own paper, and we created our own layout for the letterpress.
By making our own paper, we learned to soak the paper and how to insert it into the pulper carefully. We were introduced to several mechanisms such as a deckle and the vacuum to shape the paper and drain the excess water. We then pressed the paper with a handmade hydraulic press created by her husband, Alain. Alain, along with studio students Anquavis Luvene and Keith Banks, worked to press the paper. Jonathan Brown and I worked to place the paper on the drying rack.
While the paper dried, we went on to start creating the layout for our print. We selected from a variety of font sizes and types to create a ‘Black Love’ themed print.
In the following days, we printed several prints, carefully selecting colors, sizing paper, and learning to use the letterpress. Aimee Joyaux and her husband Alain Joyaux (woodwork) have had many successes within the art world. Check out some of their work in the links below and photos from our visit!
VSU ART + DESIGN 