Austin Stanley is a printmaker who goes by the stage name of “Print Hole.” His venture into the world of printmaking began in December 2020, as a pastime during the pandemic, driven by a combination of curiosity and the need to occupy time during those uncertain days. He initially began by crafting designs he wanted for his own home and now hopes to share beautiful stories through his art. Keep reading to learn more about his journey!
Where are you from and where do you currently reside?
I currently live in Victoria, BC with my cat Lez. I originally moved here in 2014 from Vernon, BC for school, and after several changes in my major, finished my masters in chemistry in 2023. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be in Victoria, but it has been a lovely near-decade here.
What drew you to printmaking, and how did it feel when you did it for the first time?
Honestly, it was a couple of things. I learned about relief printing from a local artist named Rio Kaneki who lives in Victoria. His work is so detailed and I admired how hard he worked, and his style is unmatched. I have also always been a fan of Japanese folklore which is naturally complimented by woodblock prints. Many of the stories I read over the years were generally accompanied by some print from some mokuhanga master, so I had an appreciation for that world as well.
I decided to try my hand at printmaking during the pandemic and instantly understood how people could be driven to devote their lives to the art form. The first print I made involved some text, and I didn’t even think about mirroring it, so when I printed it, it came out backward, haha. I can remember the first print I made that actually worked, and I was so stoked on it. It was some simple little reduction print of a plant with two colors in it. I carved and printed it using that soft rubbery lino and all I knew was that I wanted to keep going. I guess that’s how it all started for me!
What has kept you engaged and committed to your craft over the years?
It has only been 3 years (as of December 2023!), and really, I attribute my commitment to the craft to how it helps me cope with my mental health. Printmaking has provided me with community, and a hobby that I can bring with me anywhere. It has allowed me to heal and learn so much more about myself. Any time I am dealing with anxiety, I always have the option to draw, print, carve, or delve deeper into literature. It has been a fantastic outlet and I always recommend it to people who haven’t tried it yet.
Other local members of my community also keep me stoked. I work in a studio among several other inspiring creators (Elyseonmars, Darling Be, and Tiny Flwrs). All these people have supported me over the last year and keep me inspired. On top of that, my lovely partner (badtime.design) is always giving me fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and the support I need when I am doubting myself.
How have you grown as an artist in the past five years and what are the major contributing factors to your growth?
Funny that it hasn’t even been five years yet! But over the last three years, I have really shifted from plant-focused art to larger, more detailed pieces involving a lot of dark space and generally some kind of story to it. The major contributing factors to that would just be how much time I spend doing it I guess. I read so many stories and they give me so many fun ideas that I just go for it. I have also started trying out different mediums like screen printing, some graphic design, and some textile work. I definitely view the world differently now too. I feel a lot more optimism in my day-to-day life, because I have something that lights me up. It’s great getting to feel excitement over new opportunities collaborating with others, or getting to make art for people who admire my work.
What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve done?
2023 has been a wicked year for me. I am honestly so proud of everything I have made this year. Notably, “The Chrysanthemum Vow”, “The Carp of My Dreams”, “The Lucky Tea Kettle of Morin Temple” and “Tiger Vase” have been a few of my favorites. I’m at a place with my art where every piece I make feels like my next best piece. It kind of feels like magic, man. Like I am always feeling like I’m learning a new skill or like breaking through a barrier I’ve faced in some way. But really, every single piece I’ve made has a special place in my heart because it taught me something.
What materials do you most commonly use?
I most commonly use linoleum for my block, and carve with Pfeil hand-held carving tools. I also really appreciate nice paper, and get most of my paper from The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto. Kozo-based papers are my favorite.
I have done some mokuhanga as well. I carve cherry wood, and have some Japanese carving tools as well as a few brushes and bamboo barens.
Do you have any advice for up-and-coming printmakers? Are there any tips or techniques you can offer?
Don’t wait, don’t tell yourself that you won’t do a good job, just try it. Printmaking has no rules at all, none of it does. Some people will tell you otherwise but one of the coolest prints I’ve seen was by this artist Avis Rasmussen. It was a collograph print, which basically means a print that was made with whatever you want. She used a bunch of cardboard to make it, and using different shapes and colors made this beautiful piece. I think about it a lot.
In terms of technique, that part just requires some practice. You’re going to suck at first and that’s normal. But I promise if you just keep trying, one day you’ll finish a print and think “holy shit, this looks cooler than I imagined it would”. Read some books, watch some YouTube videos, and ask other printmakers. In my experience, they have been some of the best people to talk about art with and will gladly offer you some help.
What are your website and social media links?
I use Instagram (@print_hole) and my website is www.printhole.ca.
