Artist Feature: Amanda Clarke
Today marks a visit to the studio space of illustrator Amanda Clarke. Founder of the Rhode Island-based Magic Rock RISO, Amanda has been creating prints using a 6-color setup on the SF5130. With over twenty years of industry experience, this accomplished artist and designer integrated a RISO studio setup into the creative process three years ago. Amanda prints artist editions, zines and posters for clients as well as prints for her Patreon RISO Print Club members.
This feature offers a glimpse into the Magic Rock RISO studio, showcases the work produced, and explores the artistic influences behind Amanda's inspiration.
How many drums are you running and what colors?
6: Scarlet, Sunflower, Cornflower, Light Teal, Fluorescent Pink, Black
Model of Machine: SF5130
How long have you been printing with RISO?: 3 years
The Moon Duo poster is by James Weinberg, the Typhoon poster next to it is by Anne Benjamin
What advice would you give to someone looking to get started with RISO printing?
Make your own references and resource materials if you can! Also, don't underestimate the power of taking notes as your working on a piece—that way you don't have to start from scratch if you want to reprint something in the future. Lastly, don't worry about making mistakes—in the end everything you make is an opportunity for learning and experimentation.
What is your favorite RISO ink color to print with and why?
A toss up between Scarlet and Light Teal! They both have great color payoff even at low opacities and are utilitarian enough to handle a range of aesthetics. They blend beautifully together or look really nice side by side as spots.
What project have you created on your riso that you are most proud of?
The second piece I made when I got my own setup is really special to me. I had focused on digital art for the majority of my career and getting to make tangible prints was such a breath of fresh air. In addition to being a good test for how far I could push blends with Scarlet, Sunflower, and Light Teal, I was also able to land on a balance of flat color and line with that piece that felt really interesting to me. https://www.sparkyart.com/tired-riso-print
Name another risograph printer whose studio space or work inspires you:
Natalie Andrewson
Get her new art book: Dreaming in Color
Sophie Morse
I love the Dogs Sleeping comic so much
Wren McDonald
Obsessed with the Full Tilt zine
Hanna K Nyström
New Frontier 1-Third Wheel, this zine printed with Peow is one of my fave RISO comics EVER
Joo Hee Yoon
The color overlaps! THE TEXTURE!
Alex Lukas/Written Names Fanzine/Cantab Publishing
Very Good Stuff
James is the best! This Moon Duo poster is one of my favorites.
Little Friends of Printmaking
James and Melissa are the absolute superstars! They have a banana monoprint WITH A FLOCKED SPIDER?!?!
Everyone sharing RISO info, inspo and resources at fests and on the web!
All of the RISD students who have been in my classes over the years.