For most of us, the first day in any new environment, be ita job, classroom, or even a store, is usually filled with anxiety andcuriosity. My first day as a letterpress apprentice featured only the latter. Ileft all presumptions at the door as I walked into the Painted Tongue Press’sstudio space. Between the art and paper sculptures covering the walls andceiling and the colorful drawers and cabinets scattered throughout, I knew thiswasn’t any ordinary letterpress studio. After quick morning meeting with Kimand Liz, I got right to work. I already had some experience with the Vandercookpress so I familiarized myself with it by giving it a thorough cleaning. Then,to my surprise I even got to print on my first day! Kim showed me how to do ablind emboss as well as how to print with a small amount of transparent ink tocreate a beautiful gloss effect. The rest of a day went by so fast it seemedlike a blur. However the one moment that stood out for me was the first time Isaw the Heidelberg running, the speed and precision of this machine was beyondmy imagination. I learned so much from just my first day that it excites me tothink of how much more there is for me to learn.

Peter Pham

Letterpress Apprentice