Carissa TOOMeY

ARTIST STATEMENT

While I have been a graphic designer for over 20 years, in recent years I have wanted to pursue artistic expression with a hands-on approach rather than digitally. What I love about printmaking is letting go of absolute perfection and admiring the beauty that results from that. Every print is an experiment of textures, materials and techniques with the possibility of human error. Living in a world that strives for perfection, I enjoy being able to let go and not get the same exact result every time.

I also enjoy the process that printmaking brings. Planning the drawing. Making the plate. Soaking the paper. Rolling the ink. Applying the color. Running through the press. Unveiling the results. Every step has its own satisfaction. The cyanotype process allows me to examine objects from nature to everyday life, contemplating how shapes and shadows can translate into something more, especially when layering or using in combination with other printmaking techniques.

Ultimately, I hope that my work allows the viewer to come to their own conclusions on how to think and feel, as well as appreciate imperfection and not take everyday life too seriously.