Don't sit and wait! Create!

Last spring, Alyce Torrez invited me into her printmaking studio; tucked away in Seaton Hall at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. We spent hours talking about everything under (and around) the sun, while creating art inspired by the tulips I grew up seeing this time every year in Skagit Valley, Washington.

I was happy to connect with her again recently over her passion, to learn what it is about printmaking that continues to draw her in so.

E: Why did you start and stick with printmaking?

A: Pure curiosity is how I got started. Ceramics wasn’t working out (no surprise there), and I needed to figure out what I wanted to pursue as a part of my minor. I took an intro class and was more and more intrigued by the process. At first, I was a little shy with intaglio and when I moved to the D.C. area I got introduced to monotype. I loved the freedom and the way it worked with my creative process. It allowed me to make mistakes, be loud with color, and really bring out my voice. I was hooked after that and have been exploring multiple methods since.

E: Who inspires you in the industry?

A: I could say a few big print shops and artists; but what really intrigues me is the people I’ve connected with doing quiet work in their basements. The people who are just starting to figure it all out like me. I have aspirations, but it’s good to know that I am not alone in my clueless curiosity. We are a bunch of shy little flowers waiting to bloom.

Thanks for your interest in this story! You can find more photos and reflections about Alyce’s passion for printmaking here: https://bit.ly/2GniuG3