Sunday, April 18, 2010

Printsy Interview - Cassie Bouton

Etsy: thehouseofbouton.etsy.com
Blog: thehouseofbouton.blogspot.com

Brief Bio
I was formally trained as a Printmaker, I earned my BFA from the University of Southern Maine. I live and work in Portland, Maine.

I assist my husband with his contracting business, so when I am not laying tile or installing kitchens, I am in my home studio, making art!

How did you get started in printmaking?
High school art class.


Describe where you work.
I work in my small home studio/office. I utilize all my wall and ceiling space with drying lines. I built a custom work table out of a counter top and 2 microwave carts.

What's your favourite printmaking process?
Intaglio. Alas it is not a process one can do easily at home.


What's your creative process for any given print? (eg. sketch first? Pre-planned or free-form?)
I pre-plan all my designs, eventually carbon transferring them to the matrix when I am satisfied with it.

What do you enjoy most about printmaking?
I like the accessibility, the idea that fine art can be made available to everyone. I like anything that transcends class, I think I might be a socialist.

What's your least favorite part of the process?
Running out of ink, because it is so expensive!


What are your inspirations (other artists, people, places, events, etc.)?
I have a soft spot for Andy Warhol. Anything antique or kitchen related. My Mom is an artist, my Dad sold antiques and my Great Aunt was the first 'Betty Crocker'. When you look at my work this all makes perfect sense.

How has your work changed and evolved since you started?
My work changed a lot through college, it was all about finding my voice and my niche. Since I graduated it has become much more authentic.

How do you get past creative slumps?
My high school art teacher always told me "The key to creativity is continuity." I have never found anything to be as true.


How do you promote your work?
Blog, ETSY, Facebook, business Cards, through my day job. I am going to start approaching galleries and shop owners soon.

Any other comments or advice for others who want to try making hand-pulled prints?
You can do it! I use a rolling pin!

2 comments:

Perrin and Shane said...

Dig it! I love seeing what other printmakers in Maine are doing. Sometimes it gets a little isolated when you are not surrounded by your peers, like at school. Other times it is pretty great (like not having to worry about cleaning the ink knives before and after use). Keep up the great work.

TheHouseofBouton said...

Perrin and Shane- Thanks for connecting with me on FB. Your work is great!