Lee Ann Frame
"I was introduced to the Conrad Press as an undergrad and graduate student. It was without a doubt that my first press would be a Conrad Machine Etching Press.
My first purchased was an E-15 etching press. A beautiful, solid, portable press that was light enough to transport to workshops outside my studio. As I developed and began to work larger I purchased an E-31 etching press and am very pleased with the size and solid print results.
I work in intaglio, multiple color plates and color reduction woodblock relief¬––the press is accommodating to these processes that require a delicate or a steadfast pressure. The lightweight aluminum alloy bed rolls effortlessly. The micro-gauges read accurately and adjust easily raising or lowering the chrome roller.
Introducing and teaching the printmaking processes to others on this press has been a joy. It is important to me that the delicate aquatints, fragile drypoints, the etched line and wood-grain textures print precisely and consistently for editions, my E-31 Conrad etching press has been steadfast on all levels of performance.
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Artist/ Printmaker
Bio
Lee Ann Frame
-M.F.A., Printmaking, Kendall College of Design
-B.F.A., Painting, Grand Valley State University
Lee Ann Frame is a West Michigan printmaker, multi-media artist and instructor of art.
Frame has her MFA in printmaking, studied under master printmaker, Jonathan Clemens, and has earned the graduate level in bookbinding from Hollander's, in Ann Arbor, MI
She teaches, printmaking, bookbinding, drawing, painting, and studio art at Muskegon Community College, including many printmaking and bookbinding workshops at the Muskegon Museum of Art and at her Norris Creek Printmaking Studio. She currently serves as president for the West Shore Graphic Arts Society.
Frame's prints have received international, national and regional recognition and are in major and private collections. Most recently her prints were exhibited in the juried "Boston Printmakers 2011 North American, received best of show in the Alma College, Annual Statewide Print Competition, is a Signature member of the International Society of Experimental Artists.
Gallery Representation includes the Gallery Uptown, Grand Haven, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor, and Muskegon Museum of Art Gift Store.
Lee Ann lives with her husband, Jeff and one cat, Wreaky. Their two sons are now grown and we have one beautiful grandson.
Artist Statement
My heart and mind must be integrated when I create—I keep my imagery within the realm of this experience. My work draws its power from a direct approach, a sense of immediacy. I intuitively turn to the rhythm of landscape—reflections and patterns, observing a poetic and symbolic impression of the earth's design.
However, good craft, technique and drawing are hugely important in making a print. The energy of a line, the sensuality of a shape, the drama created by contrasting values; I collaborate with the process which allows the concept and surface to evolve. I work directly on the plate or wood and always print my own prints. Intaglio and woodblock printmaking is such a sensual, tactile medium that if I didn't get my hands dirty and experience the feel of engraving into copper or carving into the grain of the wood and printing, it would be hard to really know what the medium is capable of doing.
No doubt, I remain faithful to printmaking because the dense blacks, layers, surface texture, and outcome can hold unpredictable and un-predicated surprises, irregularities, and imperfections—like life; it is a natural, spiritual foundation for my work.
