s3e84 printing in plaster with Jonathan Beaumont Thomas

In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with artist and teacher Jonathan Thomas who shares insights from his time at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), the printmaking program he chairs, and his personal studio in Baltimore. We take a deep dive into his exploration of printing in plaster, detailing the technical process, historical context, and the challenges it presents compared to traditional intaglio printmaking. We talk about his shift from multi-plate color works to black and white, emphasizing the joy and struggle of achieving precise visual results. We talk about his thematic focus on narrative imagery, spirit companions, and the emotional nuances of life and death. We also talk about his educational approach, the critical role of experiential learning, and the impact of collaborative projects like those facilitated by MICA’s Dolphin Press. The conversation concludes with insights into the critique process in art education, emphasizing the balance between constructive feedback and understanding the student's sensitivity.