We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassie Ferguson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassie below.

Cassie , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

In my art practice, craft and a deep attention to process play a central role. Traditional printmaking and analog photography are essentially outdated analog commercial technologies that have been accommodated to suit a creative function in the modern age. These ways of working yield rich results and image qualities that require learning complicated processes. Craft lies in the creation of the work, becoming familiar with materials and their interactions and learning how to fine tune variables to produce different results. My practice is centered around a deep familiarization and love for process that is ever-expanding.

I was introduced to printmaking in college while I was pursuing a Biology degree. I took a screen printing course that altered my career path. From this point on I committed myself to printmaking and have been fascinated with all of the processes under the umbrella of print ever since. My practice also extends into analog photography, woodworking, and paper mounting. I approach all of these ways of working with strong inclination to truly understand the methodology and place high emphasis on the craft of each.

Speaking broadly, patience is the most important skill I have acquired that applies to all of these methods. Patience in myself, and the learning process. I’ve also honed my attention to detail, and have cultivated a thorough understanding of the science behind these processes. With each printmaking technique, comes a slough of smaller skills, such techniques for inking up a plate, running a press, and paper considerations.

In regards to obstacles, the choice to be an artist, while also needing to make a living has been the greatest challenge. I have put in a lot of work to find a balance that works for me, often involving bartending on the side to create income. Currently, I bartend part time, and studio manage a local print shop, as well make my own work. While working at a print shop is a great way to forward my career, it also can be draining of my own creative energy. The greatest challenge is finding the time to commit to a serious art practice, while also trying to get by financially.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Cassie Ferguson, and I am a Portland-based printmaker and film photographer. I work in a variety of traditional print and photo processes including photogravure etching, silver-gelatin printing, screen printing, stone lithography, paper-mounting, and woodworking. My work draws from my experience as a skateboarder, and the imagery I use documents and showcases various aspects of skate culture. I received my B.S. in Honors Biology with a Minor in Art from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and my MFA in Print Media from Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University. Under Lost Bearings Press, I operate as a collaborative printer and work with fellow artists to produce and publish editions from my home studio. In addition to my art practice, I am employed as Studio Manager at Mullowney Printing Company in Portland, OR.

My personal work is centered around analog methods and is heavily process-based. I find there to be beauty and value in the analog, as it allows for a conscious fine-tuning of variables, which in turn imbues the final product with more authenticity. I enjoy documenting my skateboarding experience in film, etching, and other print methods to allow myself to contemplate the meaning of place, action, and escape in my work. I use the theme of a portal to explore the notion of transport to a concentrated, focused, and divine headspace. The result of this work often ends up as an edition of fine art prints.

My publishing and collaborative work allows me to engage with others to help them create work that is meaningful to them. Under Lost Bearings Press, I collaborate with artists to help them realize their print aspirations, and publish them. This venture is fairly fresh, and I have slowly been working towards publishing a debut print with my friend and collaborator, Kiki Williams.

I am most of proud of the dedication I have committed to traditional printmaking. Creating a beautiful print, and understanding all that goes into it, from the conception of the idea, to the creation of the work, to framing and exhibition. Above all, I would love for people to understand all the labor of love that goes into this work, and come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for traditional printmaking.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My practice has always centered around giving myself the time to pursue what I am passionate about. The creative outlet that printmaking and photography grant me is a reason for existing, a palace of solace, of joy, and of child-like wonder. I see my practice in two lights, my own work and helping others to facilitate their work. I have just begun my business, Lost Bearings Press, a print shop where I work with artists to produce, edition, and publish work. It brings me joy to share printmaking with others, and help create fine art prints of their own. Eventually, I hope to be able to create sustainable income for myself and collaborators through my business. Teaching also plays a role, it is lovely to see the light turn on for others. Additionally, the analog methods I work in, are not longer needed for commercial reasons, so continuing them in a creative way is a way to help them live on for posterity.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As mentioned before, working in these ways, and sharing these methods is a way to ensure their longevity. The results are beautiful, and image quality is far superior to modern day digital technologies, in my humble opinion. Whenever I mention to someone that I am a printmaker, the typical response is “Oh, so you print on T-shirts!, I understand!” I have to laugh, only because t-shirt printing is merely the tip of an iceberg that reaches the depths. I love sharing what I do with non-creatives because these processes are so fascinating and beautiful, and despite not knowing the intricacies of production, there is still a palpable awe when viewing a lithograph, or photogravure etching. Of course with complicated processes, there is a gap in knowledge between the printmaker and layperson. I think I just want people to see the beauty I see, and show people that while digital work is current mode of production, traditional printmaking is very much so alive and well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cassiefergusonart.com
• Instagram: @c_ferg29

Image Credits

Ferguson8 – shot by Tien Austin
Profile Picture – shot my Tien Austin