We recently connected with Julie Sola and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned printmaking on the job at Hatch Show Print in Nashville, TN. Hatch is a 143 year old letterpress printshop where I designed and printed posters one color at a time on old printing presses. There is no fast way in letterpress, all the type is handset, the images are carved, I learned a trade. I wish I had discovered it sooner!
Julie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For several years after I left Hatch Show Print, I continued to design and print custom posters for musicians and illustrations for publishers. I slowly moved away from custom work to concentrate on my art, which is all hand carved and printed. I also write and illustrate children’s books which is a big passion, I hope to finally finish the other stories that I started. My husband and I sold our home in Nashville to return to NM, we bought a beautiful historic building in Las Vegas, NM where my studio shares space with my little gallery where I showcase other printmakers from around the US. I teach printmaking classes in the fall where I can share my love of printmaking.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to create what I want whenever I want. That being said, I work harder than I ever did in a regular job, my hours are long. I’m trying to find a balance of work and downtime, that is my biggest challenge.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
When I discovered printmaking the internet was not something that was available like it is now, i had to go to the library and do research, write requests for info. I started working right after high school so art school was not something that was in my sights, so If I had chosen art school who knows how much further I would be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fatcrowpress.com/
- Instagram: Fatcrowpress
- Facebook: Fat Crow Press
Image Credits
Mark Webb