Show Notes: s3e83 with artist Dan Welden

In this episode of Platemark, Ann sits down with the legendary artist and printmaker Dan Welden. Known for his pioneering work in solar plate etching, Welden brings a wealth of experience and a trove of inspiring stories from his illustrious career. He is best known for his development of solar plate etching, a revolutionary, chemical-free printmaking process. Welden recounts his experiences and collaborations with significant artists like Eric Fischl and Elaine and Willem de Kooning. He also delves into his personal creative struggles, preferences for classical music, and tales of his distinctive handmade house filled with artist tiles and unique craftsmanship. The episode is a compelling insight into Welden's artistic journey and contributions to the printmaking world.

Episode image: Rick Wenner.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Hairy Hare, 2021. Zinc etching and mixed media. 39 ½ x 36 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Panda Haircut, 2014. Solarplate etching and screenprint. 46 x 39 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Symphonic Poem, 2017. Solarplate etching and watercolor. 15 x 13 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Elaine de Kooning (American, 1918–1989). Untitled from the Southampton Hospital Portfolio, 1982/83. Stone lithograph. Sheet: 27 x 22 in. Printed and published by Hampton Editions Limited.

Eric Fischl (American, born 1948). Girl, Dog and Boy, 1992. Solarplate etching. 30 x 22 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Various Artists. Southampton Hospital Portfolio, 1982/83. Portfolio of ten lithographs by James Brooks, Robert Dash, Paul Davis, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Jimmy Ernst, Dan Flavin, Robert Gwathmey, Syd Solomon, and Esteban Vicente. Published as a benefit for the Southampton Hospital by Hampton Editions Limited.

Jane Freilicher (American, 1924–2014). Portrait Through a Convex Mirror, 1982. Stone lithograph. 18 x 18 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Willem de Kooning (American, born Netherlands, 1904–1997). Untitled from the Southampton Hospital Portfolio, 1982/83. Stone lithograph. Sheet: 27 x 22 in. Printed and published by Hampton Editions Limited.

Kiki Smith (American, born 1954). Untitled—Flowers. Solarplate etching. 10 x 8 in. Courtesy Mitchell Giddings Fine Art.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Troubadour’s Muffin, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Jealous Tick, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Soprano Crow, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Beaver Minstrel, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Juicy Goose, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Wandering Dove, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Vulture’s Riddle, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Dan Welden (American, born 1941). Thirsty Trout, from Aesop’s Fables (Haystack Series), 2025. Zinc etching with mixed media.  29 ½ x 26 ½ in. Courtesy Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.