JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in your medium. How did you get started?

AJ: I am a printmaker and painter born and raised in Minnesota/Wisconsin, but now calling Atlanta home. My studio practice involves collaborative printmaking projects that navigate ecology in today’s landscape. My artwork has been collected and displayed nationally and internationally. I earned a Masters of Fine Art with a printmaking emphasis from Clemson University and have been practicing and teaching the medium for a decade. Currently, I teaches all levels of Printmaking at the University of North Georgia, the host printmaking club at The Village Skatepark ATL, and am an active member of Vox Populi Print collective.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process.

AJ: In Etched Mail Art students will make post card size intaglio prints. Students will learn the intaglio printmaking process and expand that skill by creating unique prints. Students will etch their design into their plate, ink up the plate, print it, and add painting, stenciling, and chine collé techniques to make their prints unique. A background in drawing will be helpful but certainly not necessary.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

AJ: By the end of the workshop students will leave with beautiful handmade postcards (about 10) that they can keep or mail to those they love. Students will leave with a better understanding of the intaglio printmaking process and the fascinating history of the medium. As a communal form of art, students are also bound to leave with a new group of friends, a new set of skills, and a new edition of prints to share!

JCCFS: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

AJ: As a teacher I am enthusiastic and patient. I understand printmaking is a new art form for most people, so I break down the magical process into simple steps. I have been teaching printmaking at the university level for seven years and plan to teach (and learn) printmaking for the rest of my life. Sharing my passion for printmaking is one of my favorite activities.

JCCFS: For new instructors: What attracted you to the Folk School? What are you most excited about for your first time teaching here?

AJ: I have been assisting John Amoss teaching Mokuhanga Printmaking at the folk school for the past two years. Every time I go to the Folk School I feel home. I am thrilled to teach a workshop of my own focusing on the printmaking techniques I have been honing for the past decade.

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

AJ: My own artwork draws inspiration from the convergence of ecology and culture found within our landscape. The Appalachian Mountains continuously leave me in awe and influence my artwork in many forms. Currently, I am working on a collaborative artist book project titled The Water with master printers Todd Anderson and Bruce Crownover. The Water is a collection of hand pulled prints documenting the rapidly changing state and movement of the water in southern Florida.

JCCFS: What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why?

AJ: For The Water Project I have made a suite of intaglio prints that I have altered with various techniques– a similar process to what I will be teaching at the folk school! Currently, I am working on making the colors just right for these prints and editioning them!

JCCFS: What tips would you give an aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you knew as a student?

AJ: Tips for aspiring craftspeople. . . PLAY! MESS UP! EXPERIMENT! It is okay to make something you do not like, it will help you eventual create something you do like. The goal is to always be learning, growing and creating. Starting is the hardest part.

JCCFS: Where can folks find you if they want to stay up to date on your work?

AJ: If you want to see some of my artwork, my website is www.allisonraejohnson.com and my instagram is @johnsoallr.