Bill Ritchie design in Canada
in the
Aarame Robillard Collection
DIY Mini Etching Press No. 4
Specifications: Made in 2013. Mini Etching Press. Serial No. m60004. Specifications: Top and bottom rollers are 1.5 x 6 and 5.5 inches. The bed is 1/4 x 6 x 14.5 inch polycarbonate with steel rack; overall length is 15 inches; overall width is 9 inches; overall height is 10 inches; weight, about 13 lbs; hand-welded stainless steel drive wheel is 8 inches diameter. Bed is rack-driven, approximating a 3:1 mechanical advantage. Wood is solid American black walnut. Pressure screws are linked and synchronized. Includes two etching felts, user's manual and tools for assembly.
Comment: In emails between Aarame and I, we determined that a DIY Mini Etching Press might be the answer to her idea for applying her printmaking skills, plus with her organizational skills and contacts she could offer a workshop. I was to come to Nanaimo and join her with two more members to form the workshop. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, but Aarame and the others put their presses together.
Aarame adusting pressure on her Mini. Her gallery logo, El Duende, is shown.
About Aarame Robillard: Aaramë is listed as VISITOR Services Coordinator at the Nanaimo Art Gallery (year unknown) "As a poet, printmaker, arts administrator, and art collector, the arts permeate all aspects of Aaramë's life. Originally from Texada and the upper Sunshine Coast, she has called Nanaimo home since 1999. She is grateful for the privilege to spend her life on Tla'amin, Snuneymuxw, and other Coast Salish territories. Since 2008, she has operated a small home-based printmaking studio creating handmade serigraphs, intaglio etchings, and hand-bound books. She has taught printmaking workshops through Nanaimo Art Gallery, Vancouver Island University, Gabriola Isle of the Arts Festival, Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, and private studio classes. She holds a Diploma of Visual Arts from Vancouver Island University (2013) and is currently enrolled in the Leadership Vancouver Island program, due in part to a BC Arts Council Professional Development award. Aaramë brings over 17 years administrative management experience to Nanaimo Art Gallery, and has been a part of the Nanaimo arts community for over eight years, previously working with Crimson Coast Dance and Centre for the Arts Nanaimo. She is a strong advocate of the power of art to create bonds, build communities, and transform lives. She is also passionate about growing her personal collection of original prints and works on paper, hand-bound and limited edition books, letterpress broadsheets, and West Coast folk art and crafts." - Nanaimo Art Gallery web page
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