Printmakingblog

Graphic Chemical & Ink Company is a world leader in the fine art field of printmaking. We manufacture our own time-tested inks for etching, litho and relief printing, as well as sell screen print inks, papers, tools, chemistry, plates and supplies for all of a printmaker's needs

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Location: Villa Park, Illinois, United States

I have worked for Graphic Chemical & Ink Company since 1968 - with a brief hiatus(almost 4 years) to travel the World courtesy of my uncle. Sadly it turns out it was my Uncle Sam, and I wasn't too thrilled about the places that he chose to send me. My wife and I have run Graphic Chemical for many years, and have enjoyed the travel that comes with the position. We get to meet our customers (and the occasional vendor) from all over the World

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION


Clarke College is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time tenure track teaching position in Graphic Design. The BFA Graphic Design Program is part of a thriving Studio Art and Art History Department. The successful candidate will have expertise in print and interactive media design and the ability to teach all levels in a comprehensive Graphic Design Program. The current program has very strong regional reputation.

Ideal candidate will be able to consistently assess the current program and adapt it to market needs of graduating students. Coursework includes: Intro to Visual Language, Exploring Typography and Layout, Publication Design, Corporate Design Systems, Web Site Design and Multimedia Design. Additional responsibilities include supervision of student internships and independent senior capstone projects as well as maintenance of Graphic Design Studio with 14 workstations.

MFA or terminal degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Communications Design or related field. Prior successful teaching experience at the college level required and professional design studio experience a plus. Ongoing professional/creative activities, research and scholarship expected.

Clarke College is a Catholic liberal arts institution with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students located in Dubuque, Iowa. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs). At Clarke College, we do things a bit differently – a difference that we say is “By Clarke.” For students, it means a place where more than facts are studied – it means new ways of thinking are explored. For faculty and staff, it means more than just coming to work every day – it means truly collaborating across the college to put student success first. It also means living and working in a thriving city named one of the “most livable” small cities in the country and one of “Best Green Places” in the country.

Applications are being accepted immediately and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should send cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, digital portfolio (CD or website) of professional and student work, and names with contact information of three references to humanresources@clarke.edu or to 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001 Attn: Human Resources/Graphic Design Faculty.

Questions may be directed to the Chair of the Department, Louise Kames, at louise.kames@clarke.edu. Qualified applicants may arrange to meet with Clarke College Art and Art History faculty at CAA Chicago if desired. AA/EOE


L O U I S E K A M E S
Chair and Professor of Art
Clarke College
1550 Clarke Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

NEW BOOKS FOR THE NEW YEAR


It's the day before Christmas Eve, and I got to thinking about Christmas presents - specifically that I should buy some before it's too late. I'm thinking that the time may be a little late for that, but I'm the eternal optimist.

What it's not too late for is some new books from Graphic Chemical. The latest additions to the Graphic Library are a series of books from Crown Point Press in the "Magical Secrets" line. They include, the photo at the left, Magical Secrets about Aquatint by Emily York, Magical Secrets About Thinking Creatively, The Art of Etching and
the Truth of Life by Kathan Brown, Magical Secrets About Line Etching & Engraving by Catherine Brooks, and Magical Secrets About Chine Colle by Brian Shure.

Each of these books provides a tremendous amount of information on the subject. The pricing ranges from $35 to $60 for the hard cover books. Each book comes with a "how to" CD to demonstrate the techniques explained in the book.

These are some of best new books available to printmakers, and while it's probably too late to get them in time for Christmas, they'll be in stock hopefully for a long time, so don't be shy order them for your favorite printmaker's birthday, anniversary, graduation or any other festive occasion that you want.



Thursday, December 17, 2009

END PLUGS

When we first came out with inks in cartridges, there were some spiffy caps that insured the the ink in the nozzle didn't dry out too fast. There were two problems with them, however. They didn't fit very well, so they were constantly getting lost, and we had to order huge numbers of them from the manufacturer.

They resolved both problems quite easily - they stopped making the product. While it wasn't a resolution that we would have chosen, it did allow us (or is it "force us"?) to begin a search for a better product. After years of searching and coming up dry, I stumbled across a perfect solution, shown above. Called a Caulk Saver, it can be used to a.) puncture the seal on a fresh cartridge, and b.) plug the end to help insure that the ink doesn't dry out between uses. After the seal is punctured, you can trim this off to better fit the cartridge if you like.

If you are a fan of Graphic Chemical on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graphic-Chemical-Ink-Company/198706769147), you will probably have seen this puppy recently. It sells for around $1.00.