A Big Studio Upgrade, & A Huge Thank You!

My process is looking a lot more streamlined these days, and I’m excited to share that it’s all because I received a Grant!

I’m incredibly honored to have been chosen as a recipient for the Toledo & Lucas County Rescue Grant! Many of you may know that the COVID-19 pandemic affected workers in a lot of industries, but you may not know that the arts is a sector that is still feeling lasting effects.

I have been ill with confirmed COVID-19 multiple times. Each time I have been unable to work in my studio for weeks at a time. I also faced additional challenges as my process requires access to archival inkjet printing. Until I received this grant I had to order from specialized print shops. During the height of the pandemic there were times where my local sources were closed and shipping from non-local sources was at times delayed and unreliable. As we have moved forward both of these issues have thankfully resolved but the art market as a whole has not recovered from the pandemic and prices of supplies continue to rise. But still, WE MUST CREATE!

I’m happy to report that with these grant funds I have been able to simplify my process. I have been able to purchase and set up an archival fine art quality inkjet printer in my home studio! I no longer have to outsource the printing of all but my largest archival found photo reproductions that form the base of my artwork!

Here she is in all her fancy pants printer glory!

This allows me to cut out excess costs and lead time needed when outsourcing.
My practice is more streamlined. I am able to create freely, as I can quickly print images and create on the fly!

I anticipated the impact that this grant would have when it came to cutting costs and making it easier for me to make more work this year. What I didn't realize was how much having this printer on site would open me up creatively! Not needing to plan so far ahead to allow for the lead time of print orders allows me to create when inspiration strikes and be more playful in my day-to-day practice. I look forward to seeing the impact this change in my process has on my work in the future!

My first test prints!

I’m now so grateful to be able to say:

Katrina Niswander is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission