Mary Ann Sampson

Artist Mary Ann Sampson uses many printing techniques in the creation of her handmade books.  The image for the framed version of Walla Walla Wanda was created using the linocut printmaking method, using two hand cut plates—one for each color.  Walla Walla Wanda makes a second appearance in the collaborative handmade book.  This time, the image was created using the stratograph process. In this process, the printing plate is made by gluing thin, lightweight objects to paper. This paper plate is locked into the large cylinder of the press and the book paper is attached over the plate. The press handle is turned to impress a shadow-like print after one revolution of the cylinder over a lightly inked roller beneath the large cylinder above.

Mary Ann Sampson collaborated with Terrence Taylor in the making of the artist’s book titled Macaroni and Cheese. It consists of a single sheet of Mohawk Superfine paper, decorated on both sides, then folded, cut and attached to paper-covered boards.

The sheet itself was printed and manipulated on one side by Mary Ann and on the other by Terrance. It was then folded and cut in such a manner as to be refolded in a “rectangular spiral” that forms a stack of sheets. The boards were covered with 50-year-old Italian wrapping paper reserved from an earlier project.

Mary Ann Sampson printed on her side of the paper with black ink using wood type purchased at an antique mall in Anniston, Alabama. Using a brayer, she then painted each sheet in random patterns using red, orange, silver and black inks. Over the top of the printed and painted images she hand stamped the words “Macaroni and Cheese,” as well as a bone stamp she originally created as the body part for a puppet.

The design on Terrence’s side of the paper is a combination of linoleum block reduction prints and pen-and-ink drawing.

In a reduction print, a design is carved into a piece of linolieum and then printed using a first color of ink. Then, more material is carved away from the linoleum, and the block is printed directly on top of the first image with a second color. This process can be continued as many times as desired. Terrence carved and printed the block three times, using red, yellow and black inks, respectively.

The black ink drawings include “secret writing” created by Terrence.

“Faulkner Suite” by Sue Brannan Walker.  The design, printing, and binding were done by Sampson under her imprint of OEOCO PRESS.  This is a letterpress printed book, edition of 50 books. The type was set by hand. The artwork was done in black ink and sent to Owasso Graphics to have type high relief block made.