FLAT FILE FLEX: Starshaped Press

Ever wonder what printers consider the pride and joy of their collections? Love a nosey look inside the studios of artists from around the globe? Want to learn more about print shops and meet the printmakers that run them from the comfort of your own home? You’re in the right place!

Welcome to our second installment of FLAT FILE FLEX; a series in which printmakers and print shops from all over share some of their favorite prints from their collection! We're sharing this as a recurring article on the blog and are excited to explore Starshaped Press - owned and operated by printmaker, Jen Farrell in Chicago, IL.

If you’re a self-proclaimed letterpress lover then you’re no stranger to Jen Farrell and her vast accomplishments with Starshaped Press.

Jen Farrell is the Principal Designer & Printer at Starshaped Press. In her own words, “I’ve been at the press since 1996, cutting my teeth at the venerable Fireproof Press right here in the Windy City. I struck out on my own in 1999, armed with the ideals of a Luddite and ridiculous notions of keeping letterpress as old school as possible. Educated at the school of hard knocks (otherwise known as running a small business,) I’m proud that Starshaped has stayed true to the mission of preserving the tools of letterpress printing while pushing the craft forward and contributing to the vibrant print community. My work has appeared in many books, magazines and blogs, is in many private & library collections and has been exhibited all over the world.”

Today, Jen shares a few of her favorite prints from her collection - most of which she also lives with. Many of them are available to purchase, so links have been provided should you like to add anything to your own collection. “Over my 20+ years of printing, and even before that, I’ve collected prints from around the city and the world. I’ve got hundreds living at Starshaped Press and at home, with a number of these making their way into frames on our walls. This is a very small selection of some of the prints we live with every day; I’m lucky to have so many talented printmakers in my life and continually add their work to my growing collection.”

“There are a number of DF prints framed in my dining room, on what I call the Load Bearing Wall. This one is in the middle as it’s my favorite.”

Frida Khalo by Dead Feminists
Illustrated by Chandler O’Leary and printed by Jessica Spring in opposition to racism, injustice, intolerance and walls of hate.
10” x 18”
2017
Edition of 200

“I found this print via justseeds.org a number of years ago. My late husband was a union man and a lover and cultivator of sunflowers so it is a perfect reminder of him.”

Solidarity by Roger Peet
Block print on 100lb Cranes Lettra Acid-free Printmaking paper in an ecru color
20” x 26”
Edtion of 40

“This small print is in our front window as a reminder of what’s not tolerated when you walk through the door. Rick wants white folks to pull their weight in the fight against bigotry and I’m here for it.”

Bigots Walk by Rick Griffith
letterpress print
6” x 9” or 12.5” x 19”

“I’ve always been a fan of Val’s charming linocuts but my kid, Jo, is a huge fan of bees and specifically chose this one.”

This Hive Shall Thrive by Bower Box Press
letterpress print from a woodcut image
8” x 10”
2015

“AH consistently create stunning screen prints and this one is my favorite. While I don’t think this one is still available, they have many that are just as gorgeous and they have a monthly Patreon so you can get goods delivered to your door.”

What the Sea Wants, the Sea Shall Have by Arsenal Handicraft
4 Color Screenprint
16” x 20”

“I’m a huge fan of John’s work and giggled with delight when he sent this as a gift. I love everything about it but especially the message, as I often say that spacing material is the magic in letterpress, which feels in line with the quote on this print.”

Etude dans Gillespie by John Risseeuw
letterpress print
Edition of 15

We’d like to thank Jen for inviting us into her studio and collection. If you are a print shop and/or printmaker interested in participating in a future FLAT FILE FLEX feature, please email sammi@isprojectsfl.com