Video

LEAP – Learning from Experience As Printmakers

 

CLICK HERE to view recorded classes by and for our members. If you’re not a member, we also have over 15 free videos at this link…but why not become a member and take a class?

If you’re purchasing a class, click “Buy Now” below, and the instructor or treasurer will send you a password and class supply list.

$40 LEAP Zoom Class for members – Live or recorded Zoom class, taught by an NPS member, running 1.5 to 3 hours.

$25 LEAP recorded demonstration for members – Recorded demo, 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The instructor will be available for email questions and a one-time Zoom Q&A with a larger group.

 

LEAP LIVE, our series of live interviews and recorded classes, began in 2021…the NPS website is under construction and all videos will be transferred to this page by the end of 2025.

But here are some live interviews to start with: Click on the video number to watch.

VIDEO ONE:  Chris Dewees and Sue Fierston speak for an hour as Chris describes the early days of NPS, his gyotaku process, the Smithsonian SITES traveling show, NPS friends and the publication of his two books. Filmed live over Zoom.

 

VIDEO TWO:  Dwight Hwang and Sue talk about his classic gyotaku printing process using sumi ink and his background as an animator in Japan. 60 minutes, filmed live.

 

 

 

VIDEO THREE:  Arlene Bandes.  Wow! Arlene takes us through her three main methods of printing without a press: reduction printing with styrofoam plates, gel plates, and Xerox transfer of photographs. Over 35 members attended this 90 minute talk with Sue in January 2022.

 

VIDEO FOUR: Elena Court describes her Asian methods of printing glacially polished boulders in Yosemite National Park in the 1970s and 1980s. Her abstract prints measure up to 3′ by 6′ and are unique for both their size and artistic method, based on Asian landscape art and calligraphy. Filmed September 2021 with Sue, 50 minutes.

VIDEO FIVE: Speaking from Mexico, Heather Fortner describes her methods of printing leaves and gyotaku aboard ship during her career in the merchant marine during the 1970s. She takes us from Florida to Oregon to Mexico on her travels, setting up a distinctive art studio in each location, teaching classes, always staying in touch with NPS friends. Filmed live in June 2021 with Sue, 60 minutes.

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Sonja Larsen takes us back to the beginnings of NPS and her study of fish and plant printing.  Images from Nature 2022 was filmed by the Crossing Arts Alliance in Brainerd, Minnesota, 10 minutes.

 

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Hebe Bartz spoke to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in 2019. Wearing one of her trademark solar printed vests, Hebe talks about early days at the museum as well as her love for the natural world and NPS. 5 minutes.

 

 

Book

The Art Of Printing From Nature: A Guidebook, 40th Anniversary Edition

Our printing guide, “The Art Of Printing From Nature: A Guidebook, 40th Anniversary Edition” is the most comprehensive book on nature printing methods available: 132 pages of techniques, instruction, artwork, and inspiration, including over 400 color photographs.

20+ NPS members, all experts in their technique, have written 35 chapters that cover beginning and advanced gyotaku (fish printing), botanical printing, printing on cloth and fabric, eco-dyeing, color theory, cyanotype, card making, printing with sumi ink, mushroom spore prints — even printing spider webs!

• Membership in NPS includes our beautiful quarterly newsletter as well as the opportunity to attend our annual week-long conference held each year in a different location. A sample copy of our newsletter is available here.
• Browse our website to learn more about the history of nature printing, the work of our members, and upcoming nature printing events.

To purchase “THE ART OF PRINTING FROM NATURE”, click here.