Independent Publishing Resource Center

My name is Natalie and I am the IPRC’s newest foster child (I’ll be interning here for the next 6 weeks)! I’m a literature and theatre student from Bennington College in Vermont (via California) and a longtime proponent of zinemaking.

Although this is only officially my second day at work here, it’s obvious to me that this organization- and likely Portland as a whole- is built off a profound respect for accessibility, in art and even personal relationships. That being said, I plan on posting here regularly to recount any madcap happenings and to give you a fresh glimpse of the IPRC world!

My first project here was to assemble the January/February catalogue. Amanda, resident intern extroardinaire, introduced me to Stan II and Stella, resident temperamental couple/copiers. All of the volunteers I met were quick to show me the ropes as well, and after much copying, folding, and stapling, the zine was completed. Phew.

I’m excited to attend the art opening tomorrow night and will hopefully meet more great people there! If you see a young woman wandering around, occasionally toddling over to Justin or A.M. for a job/joke/reassurance, feel free to introduce yourself and share something about Portland that I should know!

Later,

Natalie

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…)