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Famous pop artist Andy Warhol transformed the art world in the 1960s by showing that a print is not simply a copy of a previous work, but a distinctive piece of art. Danielle Weaver ’07 (Belle Mead, N.J.) is working with visiting artists this summer on some of the techniques Warhol helped popularize.
She is collaborating with Curlee Holton, professor of art and founding director of the Experimental Printmaking Institute (EPI), through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend. The program has helped to make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year share their work through articles in academic journals and/or conference presentations.
“Many view printmaking as merely copies of a work,” says Weaver, an art major. “However, printing is not just a copy. A print itself is a unique piece of artwork. Monoprinting is a technique that really demonstrates printmaking as a unique way to make art, rather than just a replication center.”
Weaver’s primary project surrounds the technique of monoprinting. In addition, she is designing a guidebook for honors thesis students and making art for the Office of Career Services. Her work will be displayed there and become part of Lafayette’s permanent collection.
“Monoprinting is an interesting process because it is a print that can only be printed once,” she says. “The artist applies ink to a plate, paper is applied on top, and then run through a press. Monoprints are unique in the same way that paintings are; however, they have their own interesting quality with the way the ink reacts to the paper.”
According to Holton, Weaver’s work with monoprinting is rare.
“Most individuals have no knowledge of the processes used to make a fine print,” he says. “Also, experimental techniques are becoming more popular and the public should be educated on how diverse materials not traditional to the medium can be used in a manner to enhance the quality of the print and its value.”
Weaver also will have her hands full with other projects. She will document the work of visiting artists, assist in curating prints before release, assist in developing a print archive database, and give presentations to local groups on various aspects of the printmaking process.
Weaver believes the EXCEL Scholars program is an excellent opportunity to work closely with Holton and visiting artists.
“Professor Holton goes above and beyond a student’s expectations,” she says. “He not only provides us with valuable information within the classroom, he also provides us with incredible opportunities outside the classroom.”
Holton has mentored many Lafayette students in printmaking, bookmaking, drawing, and painting. Since he founded EPI in 1996, it has provided an open and creative environment for professional artists and students to create new bodies of work while investigating and experimenting with a wide variety of approaches to the print medium. As part of the Community of Scholars program, he oversaw the completion of a mural three students created for installation in Farinon College Center. He has participated in several residencies and special projects and has served as curator for a dozen exhibitions. He is the author of Faith Ringgold: A View from the Studio, a book published in conjunction with an exhibition of Ringgold’s art at Allentown Art Museum. He had etchings selected for inclusion in the collections of the Library of Congress and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
A member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Weaver is already making impressive strides in her projects.
“Danielle is a modest but hard-working student, who since working in the studio, has developed greater confidence in her talents and abilities,” says Holton. “It is a pleasure to work with her and see her grow and bloom as an artist.”
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.