s3e63 multi-plate color etching with printer Peter Pettengill

Platemark: prints and the printmaking ecosystem

In s3e63 of Platemark, podcast host Ann Shafer talks with collaborative printer Peter Pettengill. Peter founded Wingate Studio in 1985 on his family’s dairy farm in Hinsdale, NH. Originally trained at Crown Point Press, Peter specializes in multi-plate color etchings. Now semi-retired, Peter’s son James has taken over the operating of the shop, though Peter lends a hand when requested.

They talk about Peter's early experiences at Crown Point Press, his work with celebrated artists such as John Cage, Sol LeWitt, and Walton Ford, and the technical and creative complexities of creating fine art prints. Peter reflects on his transition to semi-retirement, the passing of his studio to his son James, and the historical and artistic significance of their family farm turned artist residency. This episode offers listeners an insightful look into the dedication required in printmaking, the balance between creativity and technical skill, and the supportive community that underpins the art world.

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Robert Mapplethorpe (American, 1946–1989). Plate from the portfolio A Season in Hell, 1986. Photogravure printed with relief roll. Published by Limited Editions Club, photogravures by Jon Goodman and printed by Wingate Studio, text printed by Wild Carrot Press.

Sol LeWitt (American, 1928–2007). Crown Point, 1980. Bound volume with photoetchings. Plate (each) 2 ½ x 2 ½ in.; sheet (each) 11 x 11 in. Published by Crown Point Press, printed by Kevin Parker.

Joan Jonas (American, born 1936). Double Wheel, 1982. Color aquatint. Plate and sheet: 24 x 36 in. Published by Crown Point Press, printed by Peter Pettengill.

Sol LeWitt (American, 1928–2007). Complex Forms, 1990. Hard ground etching. Sheet: 36 x 36 in.; plate: 30 x 30 in. Printed by Wingate Studio.

John Cage (American, 1912–1992). Ryoku No. 4, 1985. Color drypoint. Plate: 18 x 24 in.; sheet: 18 x 24 in. Published by Crown Point Press, printed by Marcia Bartholme.

John Cage (American, 1912–1992). EninKa, 1986. One of 50 smoked paper monotypes with branding on gampi paper chine collé. Sheet: 18 ½ x 24 ½ in. Published by Crown Point Press, printed by Marcia Bartholme.

Walton Ford (American, born 1960). Swadeshi-cide, 1998–99. Six-plate aquatint etching with dry point, hard ground, soft ground, spit bite and sugar lift. Plate: 36 x 24 in.; sheet: 44 x 31 in. Published by Blue Heron Press, printed by Wingate Studio.

Walton Ford (American, born 1960). Baba–B.G., 1997. Mixed media. 105 x 74 cm. Paul Kasmin Gallery.

Walton Ford (American, born 1960). Bangalore, 2004. Six-plate aquatint etching with dry point, hard ground, soft ground, spit bite and sugar lift. Plate: 12 x 9 in.; sheet: 21 1/2 x 16 in. Published by Kasmin Gallery, printed by Wingate Studio.

Ambreen Butt (American, born Pakistan, 1969). Plate from Daughter of the East, 2008. Six-plate aquatint etching with chine collé, dry point and spit bite. Plate: 13 x 18 in. ; sheet: 25 x 19 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio.

Ambreen Butt (American, born Pakistan, 1969). Plate from Daughter of the East, 2008. Six-plate aquatint etching with chine collé, dry point and spit bite. Plate: 13 x 18 in. ; sheet: 25 x 19 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio.

Ambreen Butt (American, born Pakistan, 1969). Plate from Daughter of the East, 2008. Six-plate aquatint etching with chine collé, dry point and spit bite. Plate: 13 x 18 in. ; sheet: 25 x 19 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio.

Xylor Jane (American, born 1963). Plate from Cat Hearts, 2023. Four-plate aquatint etching with sugar lift. Plate: 23 3/4 x 27 1/4 in.; sheet: 28 5/8 x 32 1/4 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio.

Xylor Jane (American, born 1963). Third Order Magic Square for Deep Sleep, 2014. Three-plate aquatint etching. Plate: 17 3/4 x 15 1/2 in.; sheet: 24 1/2 x 21 3/4 in. Published by Wingate Studio.

Walton Ford (American, born 1960). Nantes, 2009. Two-plate aquatint etching with dry point, hard ground, and spit bite. Plate: 40 x 30 in.; sheet: 48 x 37 in. Published by Kasmin Gallery, printed by Wingate Studio.

Daniel Rios Rodriguez (American, born 1978). South Parish, 2017. Single-plate aquatint etching with burnishing, dry point, electric engraving, hard ground and soft ground. Plate: 20 x 17 in. (oval); sheet: 22 x 30 1/2 in. Published by Wingate Studio.

Gideon Bok (American, born 1966). Wingate Studio with Aldo’s Press, Threnody for R.L. Burnside, 2005. Three-plate aquatint etching with burnishing, dry point, hard ground, sugar lift and white ground. Plate: 12 x 36 in.; sheet: 20 x 44 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio. Photo: Stephen Petegorsky.

Gideon Bok (American, born 1966). Wingate Studio with Aldo’s Press, No Sleep ’Til Hinsdale, 2008. Five-plate aquatint etching with burnishing, dry point, hard ground, sugar lift and white ground. Plate: 12 x 36 in.; sheet: 20 x 44 in. Printed and published by Wingate Studio. Photo: Stephen Petegorsky.

Louise Bourgeois (American, born France, 1911–2010). Les Fleurs, 2007. Soft ground etching, with selective wiping. Plate (in 2 vertical parts) (overall): 59 5/8 × 35 ¼ in.; sheet: 59 5/8 x 36 1/8. Published by Osiris, New York, printed by Wingate Studio.

Louise Bourgeois working on I See You!!!.

Louise Bourgeois (American, born France, 1911–2010). I See You!!!, 2007. Soft ground etching, with selective wiping. Plate: 55 1/2 x 21 5/8 in.; sheet: 59 1/8 x 24 1/8 in. Published by Osiris, New York, printed by Wingate Studio.

Sebastian Black (American, born 1985). Composition with Registration Marks and Other Marks, 2017. Five-plate aquatint etching with burnishing, soap ground and spit bite. Plate: 24 x 18 in.; sheet: 31 ¾ x 24 1/2 in. Published and printed by Wingate Studio.

L–R: Paul Singdahlsen, Peter Pettengill, Nanacy Anello, Kathan Brown, and Vito Acconci at Crown Point Press.

L–R: Peter Pettengill, Ed Ruscha, Marcia Bartholme at Crown Point Press.

Peter Pettengill (left) and James Pettengill working on a Sebastian Black print at Wingate Studio.

Peter Pettengill working at Wingate Studio.

Peter Pettengill (left) and Walton Ford working at Wingate Studio.

Wingate’s website: https://wingatestudio.com/

Wingate’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wingate%20studio

Instagram: @wingatestudio