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A Printmaker’s Impressions: Q&A with Michael Bond

“Solitude” by Michael Bond

Near the back of Cottage Row Framing & Gallery in Fish Creek, a collection of prints by Wisconsin artist Michael Bond has continued to captivate my attention.

Bond’s inky lines on prints large and small depict Door County scenes and settings, ancient English architecture, and the skylines of various European cities. Originally from Durham County, England, Bond now resides in River Falls, Wisconsin, continuing to create stunningly detailed work.

Sally Slattery (SS): Do you remember when you started to draw and create?

Michael Bond (MB): I remember drawing at a very early age, usually cowboys on horses or soccer players.

SS: Was anyone influential in your development as an artist?

MB: My uncle was an artist and when I was young I often accompanied him along with my cousin on field sketching trips in which we all participated.

My work is very much influenced by Whistler, Rembrandt and Martin Lewis – all master printmakers with excellent drawing skills combined with innovative printmaking techniques.

SS: How did your art career begin?

“Chicago Skyline” by Michael Bond

MB: After attending the equivalent of Junior College in England where I did intensive art courses, I went to University for Estate Management followed by law school. Prior to finishing my final year, I immigrated to the United States and became involved in soccer for several years.

During this period I returned to drawing and started to do pen and ink sketches of local restaurants and landmarks on the west coast of Florida, near Clearwater. I would receive money or complimentary dinners for my work, which was often used as advertising in local magazines. Upon moving to Wisconsin in 1979, I continued to draw and paint and later attended the University of Wisconsin at River Falls to study Printmaking. During these years I supported myself with a variety of part time jobs and began to participate in some smaller art and craft fairs.

In 1986 I met and married Laura, who immediately became a full time business partner. We soon realized that our chances of success were greatly enhanced if Laura assisted in the studio and managed the details, thus allowing me to focus on printmaking. We commenced with applying to larger shows and assembling an annual schedule that consisted of 20 or more events. We grew our business and for the last 25 years have exhibited throughout the United States.

SS: How would you describe your work?

MB: My work is my own interpretation and impression of a particular location. I derive subject matter mainly from the United Kingdom and my continuing travels in Europe. The topics, which are often architectural, may not be new or even topographically correct, but I strive to obtain a fresh concept and spontaneity in the pictorial aspect of my art.

I first created pure line etchings from zinc plates. I gradually introduced aquatint into my work and continued in this way for several years. I then became fascinated with the drypoint work of Muirhead Bone and Martin Lewis and have spent several years working on this technique.

My current images are predominantly drypoints that start with a tonal layer of aquatint and are further enhanced by the subtle use of a roulette and mezzotint rocker. I work on both zinc and copper plates.

I print all of my own work, favoring the use of sepia, browns, blue and black inks applied and blended on one plate, by hand (a la poupee), as I feel that this enhances the uniqueness of each proof.

SS: Can you explain the process of printmaking?

“View from the Bell Tower,” Notre Dame, Paris, by Michael Bond

MB: Intaglio (pronounced in-TAL-ee-oh) is a family of printmaking techniques in which the image is incised into a surface, known as the matrix or plate. Normally, copper or zinc plates are used as a surface, and the incisions are created by etching, drypoint, aquatint or mezzotint.

To print an intaglio plate, ink is applied to the surface and then rubbed with tarlatan cloth to remove most of the excess. The final smooth wipe is often done with newspaper, leaving ink only in the incisions. A damp piece of paper is placed on top and the plate and paper, along with a cushion of felt, are rolled through a printing press that, through pressure, transfers the ink from the recesses of the plate to the paper. This process is repeated for every print in the edition; each print is unique and considered a fine art original.

Intaglio techniques are often combined on a plate. For example Rembrandt’s prints are referred to as “etchings” for convenience, but very often they have engraving and drypoint work as well, and sometimes no actual etching at all.

Intaglio printing processes print a reversed image (a mirror-image of the matrix), which must be allowed for in the composition, especially if it includes text.

SS: How did you connect with the folks of Cottage Row Framing & Gallery?

MB: My connection with Door County is entirely due to Kathy Glasnap, a well-known Door County artist, who introduced me to gallery owners. Prior to moving to the Cottage Row Gallery, I had several happy years of showing at the Jack Anderson Gallery in Sister Bay. When the Andersons retired, we were fortunate to be invited to display at Cottage Row.

SS: Do you have a favorite place in Door County?

MB: My favorite place in Door County is the Not Licked Yet frozen custard place in Fish Creek, whereas visually, I am very fond of the bay in Ephraim.

SS: You have had an outstanding career, winning many awards. Is there one award or prize you remember as being most important?

MB: It is difficult to say which award is the most important. I have been fortunate to receive many prestigious awards throughout the country. The most memorable was surely at the Festival of Masters in Downtown Disney, Orlando; I received an Award of Excellence, presented on stage by no other than Mickey Mouse himself complete with confetti canons, ticker tape and balloons! While this was somewhat embarrassing at the time, I will never forget it!

“Quiet Times,” Ephraim, Door County, by Michael Bond

To learn more about Michael Bond and his work visit http://www.michaelbondetchings.com.

To view more of Bond’s work visit Cottage Row Framing & Gallery, located a half-mile south of Fish Creek in the big red barn at Orchard Country Winery & Market. The gallery is currently open Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm. For more information call 920.868.2626.