Next week will be a big one for Flat Tail Press! Micah and Ryan have been working for nearly 9 months towards the date...a sort of birth you might say. We are excited to announce that Flat Tail Press will now have its own gallery space on Minot State's campus. We will be kicking off our exhibition schedule with the work of Kim Fink, a former FTP guest in 2014. 

By drawing together multiple printmaking processes and sampling mass media imagery, Fink’s work expands the world of contemporary printmaking.  Flat Tail Press co- director, Micah Bloom, comments: “In Luna Joker, Fink presents a rich diversity of printmaking methods, often combining word play with colorful ‘borrowed’ images in a pastiche of pattern and wit.”
 
Born and raised in the American West, Fink is fascinated with its unique, postmodern expressions of popular culture. “Since arriving in the remote Northern Plains fifteen years ago, I learned to embrace the remoteness of the Dakotas. I became interested in issues of comparative culture and cultural memory,” Fink states.  Referencing the Montana poet, Richard Hugo, on the West’s ancient newness, Fink quotes: “Out West . . .  the only thing is neon.”

Gallery History:
Over a year ago, Micah and Ryan started looking at this one beautiful, but relatively unused space in the administration building. Because of its quiet nature and remarkable lighting we began to ask if it might be converted into gallery space to help carry forward the educational goals of the press while beautifying our campus. Thanks to funding from MSU's President, we were able to renovate the space. Next week, all of Micah's hard work will come to fruition.

Our hope with the gallery is to showcase mostly works on paper with shows rotating every three to four months. The space actually includes 3 distinct areas (a landing, upper stairwell, and upper landing). Exhibits may range from a micro-show of approximately 5-6 pieces, up to 20 or so depending upon sizes of the work.

Luna Joker opens Thursday, January 28th at 6:00-800 with comments from the artist at 7:00pm.
 
See more of Kim's work at: http://www.kimfink.com/

 Please tell us a bit of your biography, education, current position etc.
I was raised in Minot, North Dakota. I attended one year at a school in the MPLS area right out of high school before transferring to Minot State University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree, where I am currently a Junior. Outside of school, I work as a hostess and as a screen printer at a local business.

What started you on the road of printmaking/photography?
I took a class in High School on printmaking, but what really made an impression on me is MSU’s Notstock.

What inspires you as an artist?
The process of making things, humor, contradictions, exaggeration, and nature!


What projects are you working on at present?
A reduction linocut print, a soapstone sculpture, high school senior portrait editing, and other miscellaneous things!

What is special about printmaking/photography?
Printmaking, more often than not, is best when done with a group of people. Printmaking unquestionably inspires community, in the process and also the accessibility. It’s affordable art, and everyone can learn from it.

What is your favorite printmaking/photo process, and why?
Initially, I favored intaglio, but photo processes like kalitype and cyanotype have proven to catch my attention.

What is your favorite color?
Oh. Well… *deep breaths* ......A warm, pale lavender has a remarkable softness to it, but there is something to the intensity of a passionate scarlet that is very impressive.

What is your favorite paper and/or ink?
Handmade paper – the less consistency the better.

What kind of music do you listen to whilst working?
Lately, it has been instrumental heavy music, but anything with a good beat or funky sound will do.

Who is your favorite printmaker/photographer, and why?
Joshua Jay Johnson – He marries technique with content. Beautiful work, moving ideas.

 What is one piece of advice you have for young artists?
This profession/lifestyle requires the following: self-motivation, persistence, patience, and curiosity.

 Please describe how you see the connection between art and life
Art is a mode of communication. It is a means of translating ideas from thought to reality. Art is something to change your mood, persuade you, motivate you, inspire you, and educate you!

Anyone and everyone is welcome and eagerly advised to stop by and check things out!