Printmaking and quilling

5/1/2024

Two unique centuries-old art techniques have found their way into Hannah Gebhart’s artwork —  printmaking and quilling.

Gebhart’s printmaking consists of taking blocks of linoleum or wood and carving the image by hand so it resembles a stamp. The process takes thought, as she creates the design in reverse. She rolls the ink on top of the block and then prints the image on paper by hand. 

The result is unique, as each print is hand-rolled and signed. After a limited number of prints, she “retires” the art.

Gebhart established DinoCat Studio and joined Mainframe Studios in January 2023, saying the Des Moines studio was a “game changer.” 

As an artist in high school and college, she obtained a degree in fine art and graphic design. She — like other artists — felt a pull toward an art career but was unsure of the profession. 

“It was a belief that you can’t make a career as an artist, so I got a ‘safe’ career in graphic design,” Gebhart said.

Before college, she met a printmaking professor at Drake University and immediately fell in love with the old-fashioned process. 

“You don’t need a lot of tools or space for print making. You just need a few carving tools, a roller to roll out and a transfer for the glass barrier.” 

Gebhart is drawn toward carving whimsical animals, including Ranger Betty, a park ranger raccoon holding a flower, which was an idea that blossomed on a reflective car drive home from work.

Gebhart says part of the allure of printmaking is the variety of colors available. She’s printed items in metallic and rainbow colors. As she works in reverse, she says, “Everything you do is deliberate.”

 

Paper quilling

A second aspect of Gebhart’s artwork — paper quilling — is more labor intensive. With paper quilling, Gebhart takes strips of one-fourth-inch paper in varying lengths. Before putting the strips on paper, she draws a rough sketch of where they go. She shapes paper with tweezers, using her hands to fold and crinkle the paper. Then, putting Elmer’s glue on the paper, she uses tweezers to place the delicate-shaped paper. 

“Tweezers are my jack of trade. The strips get really tiny,” she explains,

The result is a 3-D image, which creates unique shadows. As the paper is fragile, meticulous concentration is needed. Once glued, it’s difficult to manipulate it. 

“As you work with the shapes, it comes to life,” she explains. “I let it do its own thing.”

Gebhart became interested in quilling after viewing an image online. While working at her job, she quilled a company Christmas card, consisting of a snowy scene landscape. From there, the idea exploded. 

“After that, the floodgates opened,” she says. “I found that you could do anything with paper.”

Gebhart enjoys both printmaking and quilling and admits that quilling is time-consuming. “Both techniques are accessible art forms,” she says. “You don’t need a lot of tools.”

She’s grateful to work full-time as an artist. 

“I get to do whatever I want. It’s rewarding having a say in how I spend my time,” she says. “People are joyful for my work. It’s the best thing.” 

You can find Gebhart’s art work at the Beaux Arts Fair in Davenport on May 11-12 or the Waukee Arts Festival on July 19-20. Or, check online at www.dinocatstudio.com.