Santa Cruz Mushroom Fair 2020: It’s been two years since I’ve last gone to the mushroom fair. Most of my current mushroom resources are from my undergrad days living on campus. I decided to go, planing half a year in anticipation, just in case. The place was packed, even more so than the previous years, either way, I was able to score some more mushroom references!
Managing Resources: At the moment, my main investing had been etching supplies such as drypoint needles, containers, ink, spatula, whiting, gloves, goggles, and some nori paste. Since I tend to over-buy printmaking supplies during my undergrad days, I had a generous amount of BFK, some shina wood panels, and a large copper sheet which I was able to cut out 12 pieces for the Mushroom Series. Going through general art supplies that I don’t tend to use often, such as watercolor paper. I caught myself thinking “wait, is it possible to use this type of paper? It absorbs water anyways so it should hold…”. Needing to check in with my fellow printmaking peer, to ensure my conscience because I didn’t want to mess up the press. He replied, “Sure why not? Either way, it’s good to experiment how well it does anyways. I haven’t tried so myself but as long as you don’t put too much pressure, you should be fine.”
That’s when it hit me. I was still in school-mode in the print studio. Feeling like I could only work within the guidelines that were taught. Yet again, looking for validation of my work practice. As soon as I’m careful with the shared tools, it’s fine to experiment - heck it should be encouraged! Not longer in school but still thinking I have to follow a type of “assignment guideline” in order to be acceptable.
DUDE, ARE YOU TELLING ME I CAN EXPERIMENT? WAH I AM LOSING MY MIND HERE. Yes. It’s time. Especially since I running low in supplies, it would be a good opportunity to check out potential substitutes. So far I have tested out two different watercolor papers to print on. Will report on the matter soon!