A Cochrane-based artist is showcasing how historical art mediums can be utilized in the 21st century.
“I recently refurbished my small press and started to use it for demonstrations in the public – I am interested in the historical side of it and it gives people the chance who normally wouldn’t be able to see something like that,” said artist Michelle Wiebe.
Wiebe, who has been a painter for more than 20 years, debuted in Cochrane at the Last Minute Christmas Market last weekend with her letterpress in tow.
“It was awesome and great to meet new people … I had a really positive reception to my work,” Wiebe said.
The artist attended the Langley Fine Arts School elementary and high school programs and later the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She is mainly a painter but after acquiring a full-sized letterpress, will be using the new year to explore the print world.
“The letterpress is a new avenue I’m working on,” Wiebe explained.
“It is regaining popularity, it is not for businesses anymore but more for an artisan craft. To work with this type of equipment you really have to love it.”
Letterpress printing has a history in Canada, being introduced in Nova Scotia in the 17th century for newspaper making. To use the equipment, the artisan has to typeset the letters, arrange the pages and print the product.
The letterpress started to become out of date in the ‘80s with the rise of technology and computers.
Wiebe said she acquired a larger letterpress from a former press-hobbyist, who operated a shop out of his basement in the 70s.
“It’s really big and I’m really excited about it. It is a fascinating art form,” Wiebe said.
To keep up to date with Wiebe and where her letterpress will be on display for demonstrations, go to michellewiebe.com.
