In this episode of Platemark, I interview Art Werger, a renowned printmaker and retired professor from Ohio University. We discuss Art's extensive experience and techniques in printmaking, focusing on his work in etching and mezzotint. Art shares his innovative approaches to color experimentation and his use of unique methods like double dropping, cut plates, and à la poupée inking. We also talk about Art's artistic journey, his teaching experiences, working with litho crayon and white ground techniques, and his projects, including a series of circus-related prints and illustrations for 'The Godfather.' The episode concludes with Art offering to donate prints to educators reflecting his generous spirit and commitment to the printmaking community and highlighting the importance of supporting printmaking in an era dominated by digital techniques.

Episode photo by Karla Hackenmiller

https://artwerger.com/

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Art Werger (American, born 1955). Still Pictures, from a 2020 Instagram post. 99 mezzotints with mouse bites. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Still Pictures, 2005. 99 mezzotints with mouse bites. 25 ½ x 25 ½ in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Exposure, 2023. 1-plate color etching and aquatint, sugar lift, white ground, and softground etching, printed twice (warm and cool colors—double drop method). Courtesy of the Artist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7P_Q9hqVuY&t=401s

Carding on cool colors on Exposure, 2023.

Carding on cool colors on Exposure, 2023.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching. Courtesy of the Artist. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3LqKuhRTnd/

Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching (grid inked in warm colors for color tests). Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Fool, 2024. 2-plate color etching (grid inked in cool colors for color tests). Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Staggering Shambonys, 1981. Color etching and aquatint. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Don't Invite the Ringlings to Dinner, 2024. Color etching. 22 x 17 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Binge and Purge from The Godfather, 2024. Mezzotint. 9 ½ x 6 ¼ in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Circus, 2024. Color etching (6 cut plates). 18 x 22 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

A la poupée inking cut plate for Circus, 2024. Courtesy of the Artist.

Stencil inking cut plate for Circus, 2024. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Balance, 2024. Color etching. 20 x 13 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Jonathan Beaumont Thomas (American, born 1973). Hibiscus, 2021/22. Color etching and aquatint. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Montauk drawings, 2023. Prismacolor pencils on black paper. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). Nocturnal, 2024. Etching. 29 x 22 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). McMansions, 2019. Aquatint. 18 x 16 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Art Werger (American, born 1955). The Godfather, 2024. Portfolio of 16 mezzotints. Courtesy of the Artist.