Introducing Tiger Lily's New Working Artist Program Resident, Rick Finn

"Dead Weight" 

Chine colle drawing and mokuhanga woodblock  5" x 7"

Tiger Lily Press is pleased to announce that its 2015-2016 Working Artist Program residency has been awarded to Rick Finn of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mr. Finn attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and Toledo Museum of Art, School of Design. He currently lives and works in Cincinnati, where he maintains a printmaking studio in Brazee Street Studios in Oakley. His work is in the collections of the Cincinnati Art Museum, University of Cincinnati, and
 Toledo Federation of Art Societies.

Although his preferred printmaking technique is etching, beginning in 2009 he began to focus on the Japanese style of making woodcut prints referred to as “mokuhanga”.  The technique involves using diluted water-based paint or sumi ink, mixed with rice paste, brushed onto the surface of the carved wood block, and then printed on dampened Japanese paper. A baren is used, instead of a printing press, to provide the necessary pressure to produce the print.

Since about 2005, the subjects of his prints have primarily been portraits of the downtrodden, neglected, and those forgotten throughout the years. Recently, he’s been experimenting with incorporating drawings into the prints (as chine colle) as well as moving toward more narrative imagery.

"Prayers for a Happy Death 3" 

Chine Colle photo and mokuhanga woodblock, letterpress   5" x 14"

“The fact that I have no formal training in mokuhanga has allowed me to explore the process on my own terms while learning from my mistakes along the way. I tend to be a process oriented printmaker, and mokuhanga has taught me to be more focused and disciplined in my practice,” says Mr. Finn.  

“My goal for the Working Artist Program is to continue exploring the mokuhanga technique, along with the addition of chine colle drawings. That unlikely combination of techniques has proven to be a challenge, and I will focus on refining the process. My plan is to create a suite of images that will also include some form of letterpress printed text. Once the prints are complete, they will be stored in handmade portfolios that will include my own marbleized paper.”

Theresa Gates Kuhr, President of Tiger Lily Press, welcomes Mr. Finn. “Rick Finn is one of the region’s most talented printmakers. His attention to detail, process, quality, and respect for the traditional methods of printmaking is found only among the finest printmaking artists.  Evidence of this is in his approach to master the Japanese printing technique, mokuhanga, first used in the 17th century. Tiger Lily Press has been honored to have Rick as a long-time member, supporter, and volunteer. We look forward to the opportunity to feature his work, and learn from his disciplined efforts to master his techniques during the Working Artist Program this year.”

Tiger Lily's Working Artist Program began in 2012. The program's goal is to connect with a local artist that is passionately committed to their work and their artistic community, interested in seeking out possibilities for expanding their current work into printmaking or challenging their existing love of printmaking through a focused residency. The artist is to serve as a role model for the members of Tiger Lily Press through their creative drive and work ethic and is asked to engage with the greater community to help bring awareness and education in the field of printmaking. Artists are selected by invitation from the Tiger Lily Press President and Board of Directors. The program stipend is underwritten by Board Member Saad Ghosn.

Artists may indicate interest in future residencies by submitting a letter of interest and CV to the WAP Residency committee at:  P.O. Box 65, Monroe, Ohio 45050.