image © Walden Sweet
A few years ago when I was quite new to St. George Studio I met a great couple who were renting space in a room down the hall. To access their space at the time, they had to go through my space, so if our paths ever crossed we would have a bit of a chat and a few giggles. Wayne Jorgenson and Dana Mastel are screen printers and I loved visiting their space to see what was hot off the press so-to-speak. And on the topic of their space, it was always so clean and organized; so inviting and inspiring. Their print-making business is called Walden Sweet and I hope you enjoy this sampling of their work:
image © Walden Sweet
image © Walden Sweet
image © Walden Sweet
image © Walden Sweet
Admittedly I don't know much about printmaking, but I do know when I like something and I like the work of Walden Sweet. I find Wayne and Dana's designs simple, whimsical, fun and livable. What I find inspiring is that their art can be enjoyed during everyday moments because what they create can be printed on everyday objects.
image © Walden Sweet
image © Walden Sweet
I am also extremely inspired by the way Wayne and Dana work to promote handmade goods in our community. They are true supporters of art and craft; they work hard to spread the word about talented local craftspeople. They also eagerly share opportunities for craftspeople through their own online network. Wayne and Dana are two of the founders of the indie handmade market in Saskatoon called Flock and Gather which I was thrilled to be a part of this spring. It is a runaway hit and they should be proud of the top-notch event they have created for our city.
image © Walden Sweet
Here is a little blurb they sent for me to share with you and I hope you take a few minutes to explore the links they provided...
Hi. We are Dana Mastel and Wayne Jorgenson, and we are Walden Sweet.
It all started with one screen printing class at Emily Carr Institute and
we were hooked. As anyone who has screen printed will tell you it is alternately
infuriating and exhilarating, often within moments of one another. We have
chased those exhilarating moments since, printing on most anything we can
find.
These days we are focusing on limited edition posters and screen printed
fabric household items. We really enjoy making them and hope you'll enjoy them
too.
Places you can find us online: