Artemio Rodriguez leaves his mark on Watkins
We all leave our imprint on the world; printmaking happens to be Rodriguez’s. The first in the Visiting Artistseries at Watkins College of Art and Design and Film, Rodriguez spoke to a full house about his experiences as an creator of fantastic devils, biting commentary, and elaborate, handcarved linework. The designs of this internationally-acclaimed printmaker grace such places as museums, buses, and a Graficomovil, a 1947 Chevrolet delivery truck he is converting into a traveling mural, gallery, print studio and theater.
Rodriguez’s images reference rich Catholic iconography, the strong politics of Mexican printmaking, and the personal narrative of an immigrant told with humor, sarcasm, and satire. His woodcut “Evil Forest,” reproduced in limited-edition scale specifically for Watkins, pairs the dense nature of carving with equally bold images. Two adolescents – both wielding very adult weapons – stand in the middle of an anthropomorphic forest of man-headed trees, a two-faced monster of Sasquatch proportions, and like the artist behind the work, with the air of adventure ready to be lived.
Personal touches drive Rodriguez’s work not only on printmaking plates but in life. Living now in his hometown of Tacambaro, Mexico, Rodriguez continues LaManoPress while running a school for local boys to learn the craft and history of printmaking.
If you missed Rodriguez’s lecture at Watkins, at least you can get an idea of how he makes his work.
It won’t be his last mark on the world, but if you haven’t seen Rodriguez’s work yet, you owe it to yourself to make it your first.
