Independent Publishing Resource Center

Yes, we’ve joined the craze.  Now you can keep up with the latest news at the IPRC by following our Twitter page.  We’ll be posting upcoming events, new zines and more!

This summer’s first Print Camp was a huge success. Each participant learned Letterpress, Relief Printing, Altered Books and Mimeograph.

We are hoping to offer a Book Arts Camp in the fall with a focus on creative zine binding. Stay tuned in to find out more.

Thanks to Debbie, Dan, Jake, Katie and Ashley for being awesome print resources!

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Times are tough for “analog,” or non-digital, media these days.  Last year, Polaroid announced it was ending production of its namesake cameras and film.  As supplies run thin, many enthusiasts are racing to find the last caches of film, and paying hefty prices for them.

Photo: Gretchin Lair

As personal computers make a easier and cheaper tool for self-publishing, enthusiasts are saying goodbye to another lesser-known, but equally-cherished product: Gocco.  The Gocco is a tiny printing machine brought to us by the Japanese Riso company and a favorite of DIY printmakers.  To find out more about the device and its demise, I spoke with two master Gocco printers at Portland’s Independent Publishing Resource Center, Gretchin Lair and Shu-Ju Wang.

“It’s a very easy to use silkscreen printing system that uses flash bulbs to expose pre-coated screens,” says Wang.  “You can go from artwork, through exposure and inking, to print, in 5 minutes or less. It’s also very portable and suitable for small workspaces.”  “I say the Gocco is magic!” adds Lair. “Its many geniuses include using non-toxic materials to print & clean up and the ability to print with multiple colors on the same screen (which avoids registrations hassles). ” (more…)