The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion

Story by Haley Watkins

Sue Oehme pulls a fresh watercolor monotype off the printing press at Oehme Graphics. By Gavin Liddell.

Sue Oehme, an acclaimed artist and master printer, is preparing for an exhibition at the Steamboat Art Museum from Saturday, May 31-Sunday, Aug. 31 titled “The Art of Printmaking: Process and Passion.” The exhibit offers a deep dive into the world of contemporary printmaking, showcasing the technical mastery and creative expression of the medium.

Sue's upcoming exhibition will be a celebration of printmaking as both an art form and a technical discipline. "It’s not just about the art itself, but the process behind it," she explains. “The Art of Printmaking” will explore the intricacies of the craft, including the techniques of etching, intaglio, woodblock printing and monotypes. "Printmaking has such a rich history," Sue says. "It’s a medium that connects the past with the present, and I’m excited to help more people understand the process and the passion behind it."

As a master printer and fine art publisher, Sue helps artists translate their creative visions into tangible works of art. "I’m really proud of the educational aspect of this show," she says."Printmaking is not just about reproducing images; it’s about creating original pieces. We work closely with artists, hand-painting on the plates before they’re run through the press. This isn’t digital printing – it’s a hands-on process that produces unique works, collected as originals."

While acknowledging the growing prominence of digital art, Sue remains firmly committed to traditional printmaking. "Digital printing is a legitimate medium, but it's important to distinguish between a digital reproduction and an original print. Printmaking is a physical process with a history that adds depth to the work. You can’t replicate that with a machine."

A vital part of Sue’s practice is collaboration. Working with artists at her studio, Sue sees herself not just as a technician but as a partner in their creative journey. "Collaboration is my superpower," she says, emphasizing the importance of understanding the artist’s vision and bringing it to life. "I try to think the way they think, make decisions about color the way they would, and help them push their ideas forward."

This collaborative approach extends beyond the studio to include a wider community of artists. Sue is working on curating the exhibition at Steamboat Art Museum, which will feature a diverse range of work, including prints by Steamboat and Colorado artists. The exhibition will also explore the history of printmaking, showcasing the work of early 20th-century artists, like sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his family, as well as highlighting contemporary practices.

Sue is embracing the challenges of larger-scale works, one to be featured in this exhibition. "Aesthetically speaking, it’s a bit of a transition," she says, noting that while her previous works were smaller, the shift toward installations brings new challenges."When we do big prints and installations, it’s a sense of scale, with hundreds of plates, some inked with oil-based ink and others with watercolor elements. The process is intricate, blending the delicate balance of pressure, damp paper and ink to create something truly different.”

As Sue’s work continues to evolve, so does her exploration of themes such as hyper-consumerism and the beauty of nature. "Living in Steamboat has deeply influenced my work," she says. "I’m constantly surrounded by incredible nature, and I try to incorporate that into my pieces, combining the beauty of the natural world with modern concerns like the inability to recycle and the relentless cycle of consumption."

For anyone interested in discovering the art and process of printmaking firsthand, Sue’s exhibition at Steamboat Art Museum promises to be an unforgettable journey into the world of original prints, artistic collaboration and the unique beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Throughout the exhibition there will be numerous workshops, demos and artist talks. The exhibition runs from Saturday, May 31 -Sunday, Aug. 31, with a ticketed gala dinner on Saturday, June 21.