RNEST: What's your favorite part of being an artist?
John: The act of creation itself. Being able to ink up a stamp, flip it over, press it into some paper, and seeing that magical moment of lifting it off the paper to see what is left behind. It is pretty awesome every time I do it.
RNEST: Tell us about your creations or techniques.
John: At this point all my stamps are hand carved, one at a time by me, myself, and I. Maybe some day I’ll get those vulcanizing presses I have sitting around to work, but for now, I’m cutting away with x-acto blade and linoleum gouge. I transfer an image to the rubber I use, then cut away the negative space. I like to mount on 6 mm black foam. I think it works the best for getting a nice impression on the paper. I also make some buttons, magnets, and some Artist Cards (ACEO’s, ATCs).
RNEST: You've been at this for a while. Any advise for someone just starting out?
John: It’s not hard and it’s not expensive to carve your own stamps. It just takes time and practice. It has taken me 10 years to get where I am now. The way I carve isn’t the only way you can do it, but it is the way I have become confident in. So for advice, get sharp tools, and give yourself room to fail the first dozen times.
RNEST: How about shows coming up? Where can we find you locally?
John: My next show will be the Dichotomy show at Java’s on Gibbs Street in downtown Rochester on June 9 from 10 am to 6 pm. This will be a great show of lots of indie artists from the Rochester area. Please stop by my booth and let me know you are a fan, and I’ll give you a free “Greetings from Rochester” hand stamped postcard you can use.
RNEST: So, tell us about your giveaway item.
John: I would like to giveaway one of my Artists Cards called “Tell Tale Heart” as inspired by Edgar Allen Poe. I start with a deck of poker cards. I take out all the heart cards, and sand some of the printing off. Then I do some staining of the card, then print two hand carved stamps; one of Poe’s portrait, and the “Tell Tale Heart” text with anatomical heart. On the back I date and sign each one.
