CSA co-founder, Camela Guevara, paid a visit to spring artist Elizabeth Calcote’s studio. She got a detailed look at how each of Elizabeth’s silk textiles are printed and a needed jolt of color for this long awaited spring.
A few weeks ago I visited Ibu on King Street during their Grand Opening. It is a gorgeous space, featuring the work of female artisans from all over the world, including our very own Elizabeth Calcote! I got a little more insight into Elizabeth’s sumptuous and colorful work when I got to peek into her studio.
Elizabeth and her partner, Adair, live in an apartment tucked away in the West Side neighborhood. It is in their second bedroom, a cozy space full of natural light, that Elizabeth creates her block printed scarves. The room is rather small and she describes it as a puzzle, as she only has enough space to work on one stage of her process at a time. She carves linoleum blocks, mixes ink, and prints in the room, but not all at once. The space informs her process, as she re-arranges and prepares for each of the steps within the space.
She carves blocks in a comfy chair at her desk. Behind the desk is a very shiny, Mylar-covered work by my brother, Conrad Guevara, which made me feel at home. There are clotheslines holding her printed wares, as well as a rack covered in vibrant scarves. On her walls are proofs of her delicately carved and precise designs.
Elizabeth custom built a stretcher to print her scarves on, which just fits in the floor space, with enough space for her to kneel and block print her designs. The carpeted floor actually helps her create optimal prints, as it allows the block some give to transfer the design onto the fabric.
I loved seeing where Elizabeth’s works are created. It’s a truly inspiring space, and she uses every last inch efficiently!
Elizabeth Calcote is one of the 2015 Spring season artists.
PURCHASE ELIZABETH’S SEASON