Quotes from 2009 Participants
“Everything about what you do here at Crown Point was so generously shared and explained. Thanks! Learning how to properly wipe a plate was by far the most important thing I learned. I now want to go back to my studio and reprint everything. This was a fabulous workshop. P.S. You guys rock.” –Fanny Retsek, San Jose, California
“It’s wonderful to work in a space designed with such discriminating intelligence. Even more wonderful to have the constant support and encouragement of your printers. They know the secrets, the arcana that helps get creativity churning and also gets you out of impending disaster—you had only to ask. Important, as well, to tap into the rich history of the Crown Point Press. And the other participants brought a lot to the workshop.” –Jann Sterling, Harpswell, Maine
“There will always be more technical questions, but I love the atmosphere of learning and the old and beautiful technique of photogravure. The workshop was awesome, learned so much in one short week.”–Leslie Vann, Jacksonville Beach, Florida
“At the end of the first day of the workshop, my wife called and said, “So how did it go?” I answered with something like, “How many times in your life did a single day change everything?”I have a lot of things to build in my studio when I get back. This workshop has reoriented my working concepts, and I am deeply appreciative. The generous and open nature of Crown Point, along with being around people who love printmaking intensely, has made this workshop far exceed my expectations.” –Bill Darling, Passumpsic Village, Vermont
“Brilliant week—I appreciated the flexible pacing, the ever-helpful printers, and the small size of the group. Hand wiping was a revelation, but I think the most useful thing I learned was the chine collé process. It’s a really tricky thing to try to teach oneself!” –Louise Siddons, Stillwater, Oklahoma
“It was a great five days. Don’t change anything.” –Carla Jimison, Rexburg, Idaho
“Everything I’d hoped for and more. I learned how to combine processes and how to print multiple plates. Most of all I learned how to just go for it and have fun making prints. It was a terrific experience, one that I will always value. Thanks for everything.” –Linda Lieberman, San Rafael, California
“A can-do approach was inspiring. I cannot heap enough praise on your wonderful printers. The shop was perfection. Having so much as our fingertips and at the ready (i.e. pre-dampened paper) allowed us all to maximize our exdperience. I was surprised at how much I accomplished in this five-day workshop.” –Susan E. Carter, Sun Lakes, Arizona
“The workshop in photogravure was great! Emily [York] made everything clear and easy to follow, but the first three days were a little slow. I had no idea the process was so involved. I learned so much, but I only began to get the hang of it on Friday afternoon! Thanks to Kathan, I now know the tarlatan should be a smooth ball and held like a cauliflower, and my wrist should be a loose gasket. Also I love the chine colle process. I am looking forward to returning.” –Barbara Stikker, Greenbrae, California
“The workshop was fantastic. I was so happy to be here for the week and work in this amazing space with the printers. The size of the group was good. It was wonderful to have all the materials available to us. The printers were so helpful and enthusiastic. Thank you.” –Katie Bronson, New York, New York
“I just wanted to let you know that I simply like all of you so much. Thank you for a wonderful workshop. In one week with the materials and techniques in printmaking, a profound and ancient wisdom is distilled little by little.” –Michael Chang, Copenhagen, Denmark
Quotes from 2008 Participants
“The number of participants (ten) was perfect for the size of the studio, and having three instructors was great. There was always someone right there to help when you needed them. I learned so much. Even when I thought I knew how to do something, seeing how it was done at Crown Point opened my eyes.” –Wendy Kahle, Portland, Oregon
“The combination of a relaxed and receptive attitude with an underlying discipline is truly memorable. I did love it and respond to it!” –Margaret Gallegos, Santa Monica, California
“The workspace at Crown Point is phenomenal with lots of room to maneuver between workstations. Materials were top quality and readily available. The Crown Point environment is very conducive to learning and creating. Without question the best art workshop I’ve ever participated in—the highlight of my summer.” —John McCaskill, Kona, Hawaii
“So much fun, great relaxed atmosphere. Thank you a ton for sharing your expertise and riding me of some bad habits I had formed in intaglio printing over the years.” –Nick Widman, San Francisco
“I am excited by how much I have learned. I now see prints in a new way, understanding the processes by which they are made. What an incredible week for a first time etcher! The workshop format was perfect for learning a bit of everything or focusing on one technique.” –Leigh Wells, San Francisco
“I learned some Magical Secrets, lost some bad habits, and acquired some new techniques that I will incorporate into my future work. The master printers were generous with their time and skills, and the environment of fellow printmakers was one of sharing knowledge. Thank you again and again. I carry the inspiration with me.” –Susan Suriyapa, Palo Alto, CA
“This is the printmaker’s Rolls Royce. Everything has been perfected to give the best results. The studio is gracious and allows large works to be undertaken without our dashing into each other. Thank you for letting us experience what it means to be working at the highest standards.” –Sophie Le Bourna, London, UK
“It’s been a great experience. The printers are enthusiastic about helping us accomplish our vision, and far more. –Kim Smith, Petaluma, CA
“The advanced etching workshop allowed me to be very ambitious, and I was inspired equally by the master printers and my fellow students. I appreciated the emphasis on advanced techniques such as chine colle, water biting, and multiple-plate color prints. I also worked on perfecting my wiping.” –Diana Daymond, Walnut Creek CA and New York City
“I can’t think of any improvements you could possibly make. I have enjoyed every minute.” –Katie Dey, Vancouver, Canada
“Absolutely brilliant. I loved every second of it. The opportunities, the endless information, the fantastic printers. It feels as though an entire new world of printmaking has opened up to me. Thank you.” –Emma Nishimura, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“This was a wonderful workshop, so professional. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the intaglio process. For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I so enjoyed the others in the class. –Sue Tescher, Redding, CA
“In one very short and intensive week, I was able to experience and practice more printmaking techniques than the entire time I’ve been in school. The staff was fabulous, all of them, and the facilities are amazing. Work spaces plentiful and spacious. I hope to do this again and again.” –Jane Magarigal, Redding, CA
“A very pleasant, supportive, challenging environment in which to work. I learned a lot and with great help from the master printers I solved some problems.” –Larry Hatfield, El Sobrante, CA
“Working here reassures me that art is a worthy pursuit and your wonderful printers make me feel there is hope for the future. Everybody who works at Crown Point Press conspires to add to the quality of the experience and deserves heartfelt thanks.” –Carolyn Dodds, Queensland, Australia
“So much to learn, so little time. But the time spent could not have been more productive.” –Kent Roberts, Moss Beach, CA
“The size of the studio and ratio of instructors to participants was ideal. I appreciate an element of respect and trust that was given to the participants. I learned more than I could have imagined, and am pleased at the high quality of my prints. Learning a new method of plate wiping was intimidating at first, but I grew to love it. It made me feel more connected with the plates. Also, I appreciate that the price of copper and paper was reasonable. –Coco Berkman, Gloucester, MA
“Although I’ve been etching for a long time, I found the workshop very informative. I know what I learned will resonate with me for a long time. Thanks for a great experience.” –Arna Means, Gualala, CA
“Nothing was out of the realm of possibility so far as the instructors were concerned. All the participants came with their own ideas and personal goals. This made the learning a cooperative event, and the atmosphere was fun and noncompetitive. This is the gold standard for workshops. Thank you, thank you for a life changing week. –Weezie Johnston, Houston, TX
“No time was wasted because everything was so well organized. I accomplished all of my goals, and then some. The wiping process I learned here makes a huge difference in the results. –Melissa Johnson, San Leandro, CA
“It was a perfect introduction to a new medium for me, and a fabulous week all around. I have a real respect for the process now. I also loved being in an environment where everyone was totally engaged in their work—very stimulating. –Susan Meyer, Houston TX
“The photogravure workshop starts out slowly, and then builds and builds. All went well and it got so exciting! I have a pocket full of 3 x 5 cards with tips I wrote up. Asa was wonderful and very generous to us all.” –Margaret Gallegos, Santa Monica CA
“Universal complements to our printer staff for unflagging energy, enthusiasm, and expert knowledge and skill in sharing same. Just a wonderful week overall—amazing exposure to broad range of intaglio techniques—hands on learning. Am personally very pleased with my experience.” –Hunter Harris, Oakland, CA
“Not only are my printing techniques dramatically improved, but I feel like I made a slew of new friends. The assemblage of participants was an odd mix, but we were all genuinely excited for each other with our successes. The staff was infinitely patient and extremely helpful. I’ll be back. –Barry Peterson, Sausalito, CA
“We all came in here with differing degrees of artistic and technical experiences, and different visions. I liked that we were not compared to one another, but supported each other. Each day brought new sparks of learning, success, failure, adventure, etc. Such a great mixture in a well-organized warm space. Efficiency and courtesy in artwork and the interpersonal. –Kim Frohsin, San Francisco, CA
“Hand wiping using chalk (vs. using phone book pages) is a Magical Secret. And making an awesome transparent orange (thanks, Asa). And the chine colle method. Cool. The workshop was incredible. –Mikko, San Francisco, CA
“Asa, Catherine, and Ianne were incredible instructors. In addition to Kathan and the other CPP staff, they made the task of learning this new language of printmaking unintimidating and fluid. I really enjoyed looking at the works Crown Point has produced over the years in order to see how other artists have used the same methods I was learning. And I learned more than just printmaking. There was also a lesson about where you can go when you immerse yourself in an activity you love. –Katie Pomerantz, New York, New York
“Intense and exhausting, but exhilarating. A very instructive week. Just the right number of participants. I did not feel crowded and had as much attention as I required. It will be hard to return to my regular place for printmaking after having experienced top-of-the-line equipment and workspace. –Jo Ann Coffirio, San Rafael, CA
“Emily is the best teacher, and a great printmaker. The photogravure workshop was great! Thank you, Master.” —Atsuko Morita, San Francisco, CA
“This was an absolutely fabulous experience. Everyone was so inclusive—there was very little pretense, so everyone, myself included, felt totally free to ask questions and just participate fully. –Carolyn Livesy, Los Angeles, CA
“Suggestions: No real changes. All bases covered. Comments: Beautiful space and facilities. Expert help. Many innovative ideas and methods. Complements: Very helpful and informed staff.” –Craig Lloyd, Cincinnati, OH
“The photogravure workshop was a wonderful experience. This is an important resource to have as a printmaker. Photogravure is a beautiful medium that is not much taught in universities, and it is important to keep this process alive. –Adrienne Joy Armstrong, San Diego, CA
“Beautifully organized workshop with instruction and help readily available. Great fun, too, but a week goes by very fast.” –Andrew Belchner, San Francisco CA
“I gained a lot of insight into the creative process. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate. I learned new and better ways to do everything.” –Barbara Stikker, Greenbrae, CA
“With this second Crown Point experience, I was able to work with the whole staff and feel I benefited from that experience. Etching is a wonderful medium, but the staff at Crown Point is what makes this place such a success. –Tom Cottrell, Novato, CA
“I thoroughly enjoyed two weeks at Crown Point. The group size was very conducive to a productive working environment, and the level of support from the master printers was extremely good. Interaction with the other artists was also very stimulating. –Margo McNulty,County Roscommon, Ireland
“I must have asked the same questions 9,000 times, and I never saw the printers roll their eyes. Explanations were clear, facilities wonderful, atmosphere very positive.” –Elizabeth McDonald, San Francisco, CA
“This has been an awesome experience. The professional help was outstanding and encouraging. The students were also a wonderful group. I have personally found growth in my printmaking experience that makes me feel more professional. –Rita Miller, Fallbrook, CA
“Fantastic! Staff: helpful, knowledgeable, patient, nice, encouraging—just simply delightful. And what a difference in my prints! I used to use phone book pages—never again.” –Ginger Totonen, Santa Cruz, CA
“A very interesting experience. All the printers were very helpful and patient and extremely good at explaining the difficult processes in a manner that made it all seem straightforward and easy to cope with. A beautiful and efficient environment that was a pleasure to work in. Thanks.” –Peter Kosowicz, London, England
“It is truly amazing how open Crown Point Press is with sharing your ways of working. Many studios are not. The past week has been a great opportunity. I am confident that participating in this workshop will greatly affect my practice and my life.” –Kate Van Der Reit, Oakland, CA
“Everyone at Crown Point is very passionate about their craft, and they take time to ensure each workshop participant walks away with a great experience. Well-structured program in photogravure. Emily is great! –Winifred Lee, San Francisco, CA
“Kathan’s story, the Crown Point story, has always amazed me. Wednesday evening was inspirational. I enjoyed hearing her tell the story, and I learned a great deal from watching the artists in the video. The books are illuminating. The staff is outstanding—friendly, supportive, and smart. I had planned to do only drypoint, but quickly changed my mind and was able to be introduced to a range of etching processes. –Pat Hayashi, Oakland, CA
“I don’t even know where to start. This was so totally positive. The printers leading my poor blind self through the glories of printmaking were exceptional. My only complaint is that it is now over.” –Steve Sandler, Brooklyn, NY
“This etching intensive wiped me out—in the best way. I came to Crown Point as the owner of an etching press previously used only for monotypes, and am leaving with immense appreciation for a more appropriate use of the press. A week wasn’t long enough, but it gave me a sweet sweet flavor of possibilities I never dreamed of. The care and good cheer of the printers made the whole experience a delight. They are so helpful, graceful and non-judgmental. And what a beautiful space. Thank you. –Leslie Allen, Sausalito, CA
“I loved this workshop. I feel it made me a much better printer and somewhat of a better person. –Kelly Reemtsen, Los Angeles, CA
