In this episode of Platemark, Jonathan Higgins discusses his journey as the owner and master printer of Manneken Press, established in 2000 in Bloomington, Illinois. We talk about his early life in Berkeley, California, his initial interest in art and ceramics, and his transition to printmaking. After exploring lithography and working for various artists and print workshops in New York, including at Galamander Press with Randy Hemminghaus, he eventually founded Manneken Press. Jonathan shares insights into the operational strategies, collaborative projects with artists, challenges with photogravure, and his approach to publishing and curating prints. He also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on his work processes and future projects, while emphasizing the importance of selecting artists whose work resonates with him. The interview concludes with a reflection on the evolution of Manneken Press and Jonathan's current focus and achievements.

 

Episode photo by: Matt Shrier

https://mannekenpress.com/

Blog: https://mannekenpress.com/news-the-manneken-press-blog/

Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/partner/manneken-press

Printed Editions: https://www.printed-editions.com/gallery/manneken-press/

IG: @mannekenpress

IG: jonathiggins

 

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Philip Van Keuren (American, born 1948). Snowstorm, 2016. Photogravure. 14 x 18 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Philip Van Keuren (American, born 1948). Tulips, 2019. Photogravure. 18 x 14 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium.

Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium.

Shrine to Manneken Pis at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Rupert Deese (American, born 1952). Array 1000/Dark Blue, 2011. Woodcut. 45 x 45. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Ted Kincaid (American, born 1966). Nest 920, 2008. Etching. Plate: 20 x 16 in.; sheet: 25 x 21 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). (L–R) Bugs, Drugs, Plugs, 2021. Set of three aquatints. Each: 21 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Lunar Lantern, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Mind Gap, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Matt Magee (American, born France, 1961). Winter Pool, 2024. Aquatint. 23 1/2 x 17 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Preparing to print the plate for the watercolor monotype Foursquare Foresworn by Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Foursquare Foresworn, 2020. Watercolor monotype. 22 x 30 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Detail of watercolor monotype Old Glory, right after printing. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Old Glory, 2020. Watercolor monotype. 22 x 30 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Judy Ledgerwood (American, born 1959). Inner Vision, 2020. Suite of 9 watercolor monotypes. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jill Moser (American, born 1956) working on the plates for Chroma Six in her Long Island City studio. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jill Moser (American, born 1956). Chroma Six, 2019. Suite of six color aquatints. Each: 23 1/2 x 20 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) stopping out a copper plate with asphaltum at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). Detail of a plate with soap ground applied prior to etching at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) plates with soap ground applied prior to etching at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). The first plate of Prospect inked and ready to print at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). The second plate of Prospect inked and ready to print at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jonathan Higgins pulling a color proof of Prospect, an etching by Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jonathan Higgins pulling a color proof of Prospect with all 10 colors, an etching by Jason Karolak (American, born 1974) at Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.

Jason Karolak (American, born 1974). Working proof of Prospect, 2024. 2-plate aquatint. Plate:  21 x 18 in.; sheet: 26 1/2 x 23 in. Published by Manneken Press. Courtesy of Manneken Press.