A master printer makes his last print

What makes a 500-year-old printing process new? Master printer and publisher Jacob Samuel has brought etchings-prints created by transferring ink from a metal plate to paper-into the 21st century through collaborations with more than 60 contemporary artists. In this video, we filmed Samuel making his last print. As he inks, hand wipes, and rolls his final print through the press, he reflects on his philosophy. “My goal is to leave no fingerprints,” he says. All you see is the artist’s work. I’m just another pencil. I’m just another brush. But I want the pencil to be sharpened really well. I want the brush to be sable. And to do that and be completely spontaneous, I trust the materials.”
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
#etching #printmaking #printing #printingprocess #art #museumofmodernart #moma #museum #modernart

[@penmuni3833]

My man looks very good for a 71-year-old. His voice still has the timber of a young man.

[@thereallablog]

"I'm trying to emulate a level of craft that's important to me. Otherwise it's just more junk." I love that ethos! That is the kind of artist I aspire to be.

[@SuperPsychoSheep]

He has a fantastic way of talking about it all. Obviously a master of the craft, but has the joy and wonder of a novice.

[@joak.vintage]

Comparing art to surfing was such a beautiful analogy, I never would have thought about it that way but it makes sense. And his art is breathtaking, I'm in total awe of his dedication to not only his craft but also his belief and vision. Wow!

[@nekojita5150]

Whatever or however you make your next marks, please make them. Artist to artist I always believe there's another mark to be made. Thank you for sharing this.

[@KpxUrz5745]

It's a good thing that some skilled printmakers exist to print and advise artists. The problem is that most of the art by most of the artists shown here is just not worth printing. Artists who can create really good prints are rarer than hens teeth.

[@paulklee5790]

Ever since I made my first etching at my London art school round about 1974, I too have been in Love with this magical process… So kudos to this guy and thank you for posting this….

[@Jacob32905]

I love his comments about other artist's work. Staying true to the format and only doing projects he's passionate about while honoring the original work. Totally different v than the current art world vibe and all the ego involved. An artist's - artist. 👏 Amazing.

[@NakedSophistry]

Just learned about screen printing a little bit ago so this is a welcome surprise. Its super interesting to see the collaberations and cooperation going on in stuff like this, and the level of admiration and respect this guy has for peoples art is heartwarming .

[@stevieray7203]

I hope he got to keep that final print! Wonderful study in passion and integrity 💛

[@ec8687]

I love that kind of art. He does what he wants. He doesn’t care about what everyone else wants, he creates what makes him happy. I’ve always tried to do that as well. Just create what I love.

[@comontoshi]

Haven’t heard Gemini GEL spoken for 40 years . . . nor have I seen a plate being hand wiped . . . brought back memories at UCLA. 😘

[@TheTrueReiniat]

He has a way of talking about his work that mesmerizes you until you open you eyes and realize his stuff is ok I guess, it is, in his own words, performative.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

A big fan of Sam Francis, I love hearing about your work with him, and how you progressed from there. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Best wishes for your future happiness. Art is life!

[@ericthorpe5670]

I got to do etchings in my college classes, both metallic plate and wood. I found myself in the studio after hours alot. Such a fun and cool process.

[@brendathompson3758]

wow, it's always bittersweet for me to learn about masters like this when they are at the end of their road. now I want to see all this beautiful work that he has printed.

[@heyokaoverdashelly2kangel945]

Incredible, thank you Moma for sharing this with us !

[@ncbjj8649]

Name dropping like crazy

[@stressfacture]

i believe he is over it. he sounds determined in that, but it is bittersweet the way his eyes still light up and the beautiful language he uses to describe printing.

[@ChrisHarmon1]

I can understand the drive here. I started machining initially to create some ideas I had, but I never got past my obsession with the finish spending years taking thousands of photos and comparing their ra/finish under a microscope.

[@cpi23]

wow, loved this. Beautiful.

[@user-oy-u-luzi]

Великолепие живых рук. Неподражаемая тихая страсть. Тончайшие выверенные прикосновения. Всё то, что отличает подобную работу от продуктов искусственного "интеллекта".

[@domciancibelli]

Inspiring!

[@jackfran2188]

What a beautiful career

[@jonaslarson1721]

Lovely! Leave no finger prints!! Who is the artist behind “the last print” in the video?

[@mightyfetheredone]

Very cool😎

[@hannawagenknecht6378]

I like this Art😮

[@paulathevalley]

wow, devotion is a beautiful word, and it really shines through

[@motionsick]

You retire when you die. Dude will be back printing in a year or two.

[@RadoslavNedyalkov]

❤

[@lecturas935]

Holaa! Desde Argentina 🇦🇷 mis cariños 🥰 💚 Podrían colocar Subtitulo en Español? Estaré agradecida. Namaste 🙏🏻

[@DavidFreed-sm6qg]

Etching forever. David Freed

[@JJONNYREPP]

A master printer makes his last print 1706PM 17.10.23 Nice...

[@zargonfuture4046]

Yes❤. What else is there to say...

[@Cactuspo12]

The song he mentioned is called “the gambler” by Kenny Rogers

[@higgsmerino3925]

"The Gambler" is a song written by Don Schlitz and recorded by several artists. Schlitz wrote the song in August 1976, when he was 23 years old.

[@genin69]

All this with no explanation as to why its his last print. Doesnt make any sense that someone will just one day stop doing what you love. Did he pass away?

[@mjja00]

wonderful but sad.

[@sushiroll3649]

don’t stop.. keep going till you crook

[@potatoefacedfox]

a good day for all, nothing of value was lost, and he is no longer a master

[@hannesruggeberg9650]

Ausgedruckt

[@NOYB28]

Apologies aren’t good enough anymore

[@alistairdunnington]

first