Full Tilt brings color to campus

Graphic by Caitlin Orsino

The Full Tilt Print Studio's art was featured in the Wedeman Gallery at Lasell’s Yamawaki art building in January and February. The Full Tilt Print Studio is Boston’s only non-profit cooperative printmaking studio made up of twenty-six members who share an open space for artists. They create all kinds of printmaking art including monotypes, lithographs and etchings.

Vladimir Zimakov, Lasell professor of art and graphic design and director of the Wedeman Gallery chose the Full Tilt Studio’s artists for the gallery because the studio is “one of Boston’s prominent printmaking artists’ collectives.” He mentioned that several of the studio’s members are faculty members at Lasell including art and graphic design professors Margo Lemieux and Alla Lazebnik.

Zimakov continued: “Full Tilt members exhibited at our space a few years ago and this sort of exhibition fits perfectly with the mission of the gallery – to celebrate artistic and cultural diversity by showcasing the works of artists who explore different themes and use a variety of media to express them.”

He also says the exhibit has provided great educational resources to students. He says, “Some techniques we cover in the printmaking class, and some are entirely new to our students. Besides the actual artwork, there is also a display table that showcases how the prints were created. Also, one of the artists will be conducting a live demo for our students.”

Zimakov wants the gallery to represent the university’s “commitment to exploring various artistic practices, multiple ideas, themes and techniques; celebrating creativity within and beyond Lasell.”

When asked of his favorite piece in the gallery, Zimakov noted that he could not just pick one.

“I am partial to relief printmaking, since I am a professional illustrator specializing in linocuts and letterpress printing. However, looking at other techniques makes me want to explore and try them out. So, it’s very hard to narrow it down to just one or even a few favorites,” Zimakov said. “I have been asked to judge exhibitions before and that’s a very difficult task. Each piece tells a unique story, so I think it’s important to come into the gallery with an open mind and curiosity. There is always something new to be discovered.”

Zimakov’s plans for the future of the gallery include artists from New England, Boston, and Lasell.

“Every year I receive multiple proposals for gallery exhibitions from Boston and New England artists and art collectives. We carefully select what to feature and how the exhibits will benefit the Lasell community. The plan is to showcase artwork that will inspire, challenge, teach and facilitate meaningful conversations,” Zimakov said. “Many exciting exhibitions are on the horizon – works by the artists from the New England Mosaic Society, National Association of Women Artists, ART/Word collective, as well as the showcases by Lasell studio art students and graphic design seniors.”

Students and faculty are encouraged to visit the gallery and keep an eye on upcoming showcases.