Pickwick Independent Press recently interviewed Maine College of Art & Design alum Evelyn Wong MFA '19 for their summer newsletter. Directed by Pilar Nadal MFA '13, Pickwick is a community print studio situated in the SPACE Studios building at 536 Congress Street, serving as a center for professional artists in southern Maine.
Evelyn is an outstanding teacher and printmaker known for her expertise in bookbinding, calligraphy, and social justice. You can find Evelyn's work on Instagram at @evwong.art and @fireballbookbindery, and you can purchase her work at the Deering Oaks Farmer's Markets and the Congress Square Market in Portland throughout the summer.
The following is reproduced from Pickwick's summer newsletter:
Where have you been drawing inspiration from lately?
Evelyn: I draw inspiration from exploring weird and/or fun things (like making Legend of Zelda fanart lol) and I really enjoy discovering traditional Chinese and Japanese papers, textiles, and patterns. I'm also very focused on Chinese American past and present history, as well as our rich history of mythology and cultural traditions.
What is your favorite printmaking tool?
Evelyn: Oof, it's hard to pick just one!
- A micrometer
- A good spatula
- My V-gouge
- A book press
If you could recommend something (anything), what would it be?
Evelyn: If you're an artist, I would recommend being in community with other artists or printmakers—whether it's joining a community print shop, starting a critique group, or just going to (print/paper/art) conferences regularly! Even if you're not an artist, being grounded in a creative community really helps you to see other people's art and hear about their perspectives on the world, and understand why they are creating art.