Source: TV6-WLUC
HANCOCK, Mich. (WLUC) - You can now check out a new splash of color in downtown Hancock.
For nearly two decades, Indiana University Faculty Member and Artist Alexander Landerman has been using letter-press printers to create colorful posters. This process of printing is done completely by hand. Some of his work is now on display at the Copper Country Community Art Centers’ gallery.
“I hope that the people who join us can think a little differently about what kinds of posters they see every day,” Landerman said at the exhibit reception Thursday evening. “Letter-press printing is a lot more physical and time-consuming process than taking something to a copy center and having a bunch of posters printed.”
Landerman says creating the posters in this way adds value to them and is something he works hard to do. When a person has one of his posters, he says he wants them to feel it is more of a keepsake than an advertisement.
But after using this method for so long, Landerman says he’s been trying something new. He is trying out computer-controlled router to carve the print blocks he uses, which he can also teach his students. However, Landerman says there is something special about “seeing the human hand in art.”
“I think that things we make by hand become inherently more important as there are less of them,” Landerman continued. “All of us really appreciate that mug that we bought at a farmers market that we know is made by hand. And I think the same thing happens for a poster. When you get to meet the person who printed it and then you look at the poster and then you realize you can see the wood grain in the print... kind of like it’s more satisfying to go see your great-grandfather in-person than it is talking to him on the phone.”
You can check out the exhibit, ‘Surface Noise’, from now until Aug. 2. Landerman will be holding a free live artist demonstration at the center Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
“Come hang out, have a cup of coffee, ask me questions and teach me cool things that you know about printing and posters,” Landerman added with a laugh.
Landerman will also be hosting a poster workshop from July 15 to July 17 at the center. As of Thursday evening, there are two spots still open, with the deadline for signup being July 8. The class fee is $65 for non-CCCAC members and $55 for current members.
Additionally, Landerman will be holding another free live demonstration during the city of Hancock’s Key Ingredients street fair July 18.
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