Maryland Printmakers

FEATURED ARTIST: MARY HEISS
(Archived article from January 2001 - click here for current articles)

Cedarville II by Mary Heiss, Collagraph, 18" x 311_2"

It was more than twenty years ago when I first became fascinated with the collagraph printmaking medium. As a student at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, I viewed a film on the process, and have been making them ever since. The direct nature of the medium, and the painterly effects possible, were the main elements that drew me to this process.

My early works were more exploratory, and exploited the use of varied textures and materials. Over the years, I began to focus more on the subtle use of texture and refined brushwork. I found silk organza to be an excellent vehicle for the desired effects. I was able to achieve subtle tonality and rich blacks. The process also allowed me to construct my plate at home without the use of acids or toxic materials.

The subject matter of my prints is the landscape. I am drawn to the mysterious in nature and strong contrasts of texture and form. I work from drawings produced directly from nature as well as from photographs of images that strike me. The image is transferred to a cardboard plate which is sealed with acrylic medium. The plate is then covered with the silk organza fabric and adhered with the medium. I then begin creating the image by brushing layers of the polymer onto the plate. These layers will determine how much ink is held in a given area.

Cypress in Alberobello by Mary Heiss, Collagraph, 29” x 22”

The printing of the plate involves the use of an etching press. The plate is inked in separate colors and selectively wiped for each color run. The final printed image is always a surprise. Because of the labor involved, I generally complete two prints a day. I am able to produce a small edition of approximately twenty prints before the plate will break down.

For the last ten years, I have rented the facilities at Pyramid Atlantic, the nonprofit printmaking and papermaking center in Riverdale, Maryland. It has offered me great opportunities as an artist. The printshop is equipped with an American French Tool etching press which can accommodate my large plates.

Pyramid has also been an environment for learning and exposure to new ideas. Artists from around the world bring their sensitivity and knowledge to the center. I have been enriched by the exposure to such talent. One of my special experiences was the collaborative project with visiting artist, Miriam Shapiro. I was fortunate enough to be able to work directly with the artist, along with the staff at Pyramid, in completing a folio of prints and paper works. I look forward to new experiences and challenges in printmaking.

Mary Heiss received her Associate of Arts degree from Montgomery College, Rockville, MD; B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD; M.F.A. in Design from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She has exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions, including: Prints: Washington 97 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Maryland Printmakers in Brazil, 11th National Printmaking Exhibition, Los Angeles Printmaking Society, and Saga: 65th National Print Exhibition, New York. Collections include Arthur Anderson Accounting, Virginia; Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, Louisiana; The State Department, Washington, D.C.; Graphic Arts International Union, Washington, D.C. She is listed in the 19th edition of Who’s Who of American Women.