Processing... Season 3

Processing... Season 3

In our third season, we explore the Text & conText Lab, our partnership space with the University Library System on the third floor of Hillman Library.

We talk with experts and enthusiasts at Pitt and beyond about everything from typefaces to propaganda, the juxtaposition of antique letterpresses and 3D printers, and the processes that preserve the printed page in a digital world.

Hosted by Shannon Fink, Center for Creativity Operations Manager. The Season 3 team included Jasmine Green, Mike Campbell, Kit Ayars, Erik Schuckers, Chad Brown, and Shannon Fink. 

Episode 1 | In Context: The Letterpress

Communication technology is advancing faster than ever in our digital world, so why are Pitt's Center for Creativity and University Library System so excited about the arrival of a printing press from the 1960's? In this episode, we talk with our friends in the University of Pittsburgh English Department about letterpress printing and what value we can find in this analog craft. Thanks to our guests, Dr. Jeff Aziz and Tim Appleton.   
 

Episode 2 | In Context: Ink

In this episode, we talk with our friends in the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s Archives and Special Collections to learn about some of the mysteries of ink and what makes it a fleeting yet exciting material to work with. Thanks to our guests, Jeanann Haas and Anaïs Grateau.  
 

 

Episode 3 | In Context: Paper

In this episode, we again invite our friends in the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s Archives and Special Collections to learn about the surprisingly contentious history of paper and how it became a worldwide phenomenon. Thanks again to our guests, Jeanann Haas and Anaïs Grateau.   

Episode 4 | In Context: Typography

As the printing press spread across the world, standardized sets of cast metal letters appeared, bearing the names of their designers: Bodoni, Didot, Caslon, and others. Today there's a font for every occasion and mood. How do we interpret the meanings behind typefaces? In this episode, we explore how type can amplify a message. Thanks to our guests: Clare Withers, Anais Grateau, and Jeanann Haas.

Episode 5 | In Context: Propaganda

"Propaganda" as a term came into use in the 1620's, and we can see examples of various types popping up in the 1800's around the world, but it wasn’t until the start of World War I that we see the use of print presses as tools to spread it. Do we really understand propaganda and the power it has over us? Would you make your own to influence the masses? Thanks to our guests: Dr. Andrew Lotz, Clare Withers, and David Grinnell.

Episode 6 | In Context: Activism

In this episode, we invite a community of printmakers, newspaper editors, and researchers to learn how print has given power to those who have been systematically marginalized. Thanks to our guests: Justin Jones, Gina Watkins, Megan Massenelli, Rob Taylor, Haylee Ebersole, and Kyrie Bushaw.