Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem
Ann Shafer, fine art prints evangelist, curator, and art historian
Show overview
Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 170 episodes, alongside 13 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 180 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 57 min and 1h 14m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 15 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 42 episodes published. Published by Ann Shafer, fine art prints evangelist, curator, and art historian.
From the publisher
Why do fine art prints (etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, screenprints, etc.) and printmaking draw such fervent practitioners, collectors, and fans? Find out how prints were the first internet disseminating images since the mid-15th century. Find out why it takes a village to make, sell, study, and collect these affordable beauties. Who are all these people in the print ecosystem, anyway? Series one looks at prints and printmaking and how they fit in in the context of museums, the market, critiques, and the print ecosystem. Series two offers a history of prints and printmaking in the West. Series three offers interviews with the people who perform various roles in the print ecosystem. Join us and find out why prints and printmaking occupy the best little corner of the art world. We'll turn you into a fan, too. Platemark offers a bit of art history, artistic creativity, and introduces listeners to artists, printers, dealers, print publishers, gallerists, art historians, curators, and scholars. Host Ann Shafer is a curator specializing in prints and printmaking. Formerly she was a curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. She's a podcaster, blogger, and organizer of the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair (baltimoreprintfair.com).
Latest Episodes
View all 170 episodess3e109 building a global print community with Reinaldo Gil Zambrano
s3e108 casting metal type with Val Lucas
s2e38 History of Prints The Venetians (part three) the Tiepolos
s3e107 building an alternative art school with Nato Thompson
s2e37 The Venetians (part two) Canaletto
s3e106 wheatpasting and engraving with David Barthold
s2e36 History of Prints The Venetians (part one) Preamble
S3e105 rare books meet heavy machinery with Amelia Hugill-Fontanel
S3 Ep 104s3e104 carborundum collagraphy with Betty Winkler
In this episode of Platemark, Ann sits down with Betty Winkler to explore her dual career as a master of carborundum collagraphy and a dedicated art therapist. They dive into her technical innovations—such as her preference for plexiglass plates—and discuss her book, which aims to demystify this tactile, non-toxic printmaking method. Betty shares how her background in the collaborative world of the print studio seamlessly informs her work in therapy, viewing both as powerful tools for communication and healing. From the grit of the carborundum to the deep emotional layers of trauma therapy, Betty's journey is a testament to the idea that creativity is a fundamental human trait. Whether you are a seasoned printmaker or curious about the intersection of art and psychology, this interview offers a fascinating look at a life dedicated to the plate and the person. www.bettywinkler.com www.yamaprints.net Find out more about EMDR therapy here: https://parnellemdr.com Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 103s3e103 release the Wolfbat with Dennis McNett
Get ready to leave the white-cube gallery behind. In our latest episode, we're stepping into the wild, mythic world of Dennis McNett (AKA Wolfbat). For over 30 years, Dennis has been carving out a career that defies every "standard" artistic path. Dennis doesn't just make art—he builds universes. He is a modern-day storyteller who reminds us that when you combine woodcuts with community and a bit of "Wolfbat" energy, art has the power to transform entire towns. Wolfbat Studios IG: @wolfbat Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 102s3e102 Seoul to West Texas with Sangmi Yoo
In this episode, Ann sits down with Sangmi Yoo—artist, educator, and Professor of Printmaking at Texas Tech—to discuss how she navigates the "in-between." Her work isn't just about ink on paper; it's about how we build our identities out of architecture, memory, and the ghosts of colonial history. www.sangmiyoo.com IG: @sangmiyooliving Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 101s3e101 the science and art of ink with Stephen Hoskins
What is the "secret sauce" that gives a print its soul? In this episode, Ann sits down with Professor Stephen Hoskins to decode the complex chemistry and 500-year history of printmaking inks. From Old Master soot to the cutting edge of 3D-printed textures, we're diving deep into the science, sustainability, and tactile future of our craft's most foundational element. Stephen Hoskins's website: https://stephenhoskins.com/ University of the West of England: https://cfpr.uwe.ac.uk/ CFPR Editions: https://cfpreditions.uwe.ac.uk/ Top 10 Printing Museums in Europe: https://cfpr.uwe.ac.uk/cfpr-seminar-european-printing-museums-a-personal-top-ten-prof-stephen-hoskins-26-may-2020/ Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 100s3e100 celebrating 100 interviews
Celebrating her 100th interview in the third series, Ann is in the hotseat and is being interviewed by her friend Stacy Kincaid. The discussion covers the podcast's origins, challenges, and key moments. Ann reflects on her diverse career and shares insights into the technical and creative aspects of podcasting, including her commitment to providing visual references for listeners. The conversation spans personal anecdotes, professional highlights, and future aspirations for the podcast and printmaking community.
S3 Ep 99s3e99 simultaneous color printing and Krishna Reddy's legacy with artist Mark Johnson
"It's not just about the mechanics; it's about the way the colors breathe together on the metal." — Mark Elliott Johnson In this episode of Platemark, host Ann Shafer talks with artist Mark Johnson who shares his extensive experiences working with Krishna Reddy, a master in simultaneous color printing (viscosity printing). The conversation reveals insights into Reddy's creative process, his philosophical approach to art and teaching, and the technical intricacies of his printmaking methods. The episode also touches on Johnson's own journey, the influence of Reddy's teachings on his career, and the continuing relevance of Reddy's techniques in contemporary printmaking. Don't miss Mark's stellar video on simultaneous color printing made for PCNY's spring 2025 exhibition of the work of Krishna Reddy curated by Sarah Burney. https://www.markelliottjohnson.com PCNY video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cSgvqHjTO8 PCNY catalogue: https://issuu.com/ipcny/docs/web-krishna_reddy_publication Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 98S3e98 the Society of American Graphic Artists with Diego Briceno, DeAnn Prosia, and Esther Schwalb
Since 1915, the Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA) has survived world wars, the Great Depression, and the digital revolution by doing one thing: keeping the press rolling. In this episode of Platemark, we're going behind the scenes of the cornerstone of American printmaking with three powerhouses who have steered the ship—Diego Briceno, DeAnn Prosia, and Esther Schwalb. We dive into SAGA's gritty 110-year evolution, from its origins as a Brooklyn etching club to its current status as a national titan championing inclusivity and technical mastery. Discover the secrets behind their longevity, the "radical community" that supports artists for a $75 annual membership, and why this legacy is more vibrant today than ever before. Plus, don't miss the SAGA 90th Annual Exhibition, Ink and Impressions, on view at the Housatonic Museum of Art now through February 16, 2026. Show me the images !! https://sagaprints.com/ SAGA members images through the years.
S3 Ep 97S3e97 the impulsivity and expressionism of artist Chuck Webster
Welcome to Platemark, where we dive into the creative minds shaping the art world. This week, we connect with Chuck Webster, an exceptional artist whose deep and impulsive connection to drawing is both therapeutic and transformative. From publishing his own childhood sketches to constantly finding inspiration in sources ranging from Russian folk art to urban graffiti, Chuck's work is a fascinating dialogue between instinct and refinement. Join us as he opens up about his cathartic process, how content magically emerges from form, his love for experimenting with vintage materials, and how his passion for history and antiques informs his rich, multi-layered approach to drawing, painting, and printmaking. Get ready to be inspired to view art as Chuck does: an endlessly evolving and deeply personal adventure. https://www.chuck-webster.com/ IG @chuckwebster Planthouse Gallery Wingate Studio Jungle Press Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 96s3e96 directing David Krut Projects with Amé Bell
Ready to be globally inspired? On this episode of Platemark, Ann connects with the visionary Amé Bell, Director of David Krut Projects, who wears the hats of artist, historian, and curator. From the bustling print studios of Johannesburg, Amé brought South African voices to the world stage by curating the 2022 Venice Biennale Pavilion. They dive into the profound journey of collaborating with artists, how digital spaces are rewriting the rules of curating, and even get a peek at Amé's other passion: podcasting! Find out what it takes to make a moment in art history and the enriching impact of printmaking on artists' lives. IG @_amebell_ https://davidkrutprojects.com/about @davidkrutprojects Chopped Liver podcast on Spotify Show me the images!!
S3 Ep 95s3e95 collaging identity with Yashua Klos
In this episode of Platemark, Ann converses with Yashua Klos, a passionate artist finding new connections through collaborative printmaking. They discuss his unique woodblock collage technique, his journey of self-discovery, and the impact of reuniting with family. We talk about the nuances of his artistic process, the emotional resonance of his work, and the importance of representation in the art world. Don't miss this insightful conversation that intertwines personal growth, artistic expression, and the vibrant community of printmaking. Cover image: Sean Pressley Artist's IG: @yashuared Artist's website: www.yashuaklos.net Sikkema Malloy Jenkins Gallery: https://www.smjny.com/yashua-klos Wingate Studio: https://wingatestudio.com/project/yashua-klos Neiman Center: https://www.neiman.arts.columbia.edu/klos-yashua-1 Show me the IMAGES!!
S3 Ep 94S3e94 art law with Yayoi Shionoiri
In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with Yayoi Shionoiri, an arts lawyer and Vice President of External Affairs & General Counsel at Powerhouse Arts. Yayoi, who has over two decades of experience in art law, discusses her unique career path, from her initial interest in art history to working in law supporting artists and cultural workers. They talk about working together on the Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair, the significance of transparency in art production, the evolving field of art law, and the intersections of technology and art, particularly generative AI. The conversation also highlights the collaborative and inclusive nature of the printmaking community, the impact of digital tools, and the fair's success in bringing together artists, students, and print enthusiasts. Cover art by Phong Bui @yayoi_shionoiri
S3 Ep 93S3e93 printing Peter Milton etchings with Robert Townsend
In this episode of Platemark, Ann delves into the intricate world of prints and printmaking with master printer Robert Townsend. With over 55 years of experience, Bob shares his journey, techniques, and notable collaborations with artists like Peter Milton, Jim Dine, and Michael Mazur. They take a deep dive into plate wiping, steel facing, and other essential intaglio processes. Tune in to learn about the nuances of printing detailed etchings, and gain insights into the collaborative efforts that bring them to life. https://retownsendstudio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/retownsendstudio/ IG @retownsendstudio Show me the images!!