Margo Odgen is not a printer.
I met Margo a few years ago at a holiday gathering when I heard someone say, "C's an artist!" Needless to say a connection was then made that would afford me my introduction to monoprint making but more importantly a new art friend that I more often than not see eye to eye with who is always enthusiartic about creating. Margo understands the importance of community and inviting others into spaces to engage. Below I ask my friend Margo a handful of questions about her life and printmaking
C. Why'd you choose printmaking? What has the journey from small press to large press been like for you?
Margo: I am a painter but back in the early 2000s I got very sick and did not have time or energy to paint. As a distraction I took a course with a friend on printing dry layered watercolor onto damp paper with a rolling pin. It worked and was quite satisfying. Once I finally got well I took a two week workshop on monotype printing, loved it, and have been printing ever since.
Going from a 20x40 press to a 42x70 was very difficult physically and mentally. I needed larger paper, more ink, and tools with better coverage. The change happened gradually but it did become apparent that many of my images had been cramped and that I needed to work in a larger scale. I believe the work became more like my paintings and was much more physical. Before I made monotypes I used acrylic paint to make abstract paintings. I also did a series of small Maine rocks enlarged to become the center of interest on the paper.
C. Has your previous work as an educator informed your process and technique producing currently as a Printmaker?
Margo: My years of teaching show up when I have visitors in the studio. I love to share my skills with other artists. Teaching does encourage thinking in sequence so I expect this does help me with my print making.
C. What benefits does printmaking afford you that nothing else can?
One of the qualities of monotypes that I love is the way the ink picks up texture and transfers it to the paper. The detail is very impressive. I layer my prints just like I layered my paintings. So my prints feel substantial. Very recently I have started to use more extender with my ink which enables me to glaze over colors so that you can see what is below.
