PDX Profile: Carye Bye, of Red Bat Press

This week's blog-guest is Carye Bye, who uses traditional printing techniques and nostalgic imagery to create wonderful cards, calendars, stationery, and more. She's well-known around town for her business Red Bat Press, and her annual Bunny on a Bike rides. She's also organizing Small Museums by Bike tours these days.

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How did you first become interested in traditional printing techniques?
I took my official first printmaking class in college. In fact it was one of the few art classes that still had seats for freshmen - it was also an 8 am class! As a senior I returned to take the 2nd level, and this was the first time I learned to carve into wood instead of linoleum to make relief prints. I immediately loved the wood surface, and Japanese knives.

Also it must be noted, my college art department was stuck in the 1970s (yes some of the art profs actually wore wide obnoxious batik vests!) The linoleum we were using was old rolled-up kitchen floor linoleum that we cut up and had to heat on hot plates so it was soft enough to carve. The wood method was a lot simpler and had nicer results.

At first I carved with any wood plank I could find, but often had to carve out my whole design with an exacto knife because of extra splintering. Currently I order all my wood and tools from McClains, which is a mailorder company based out of the Portland suburbs. Once a year they go to Japan to restock and get new materials - I love them.

I print on old antique letterpresses, because I like words with my pictures, so I use movable letterpress type. Before I moved to Portland in 2001, I lived in San Francisco, and took a 15 week letterpress basics class. I was hooked. I made a little printed chapbook, open & close sign for the shop I worked at, and business cards. Once in Portland I found the amazing Independent Publishing Resource Center and have been printing there ever since. However by the end of this year, I should have my own printing studio out of my garage as I'm now a full time printer! It's neat when your crafty hobby can become your livelihood.

Tell us about some of the things you make.

I work small - mainly because I'm impatient and like to finish a design in a short period of time. My preferred size is 4 x 6 - the size of a postcard. Over the last 5 years I've created over 25 art postcard designs. I love art that is usable. I could make more larger framed pieces, but I like the idea of my art being affordable - and mailable, so it can be shared easily and enjoyed my many. I realized that's one reason I love printing so much is I can print many of one thing, and can always keep a real copy of everything I make - unlike
painters who often must eventually give up what they made.

I also make designs for the holidays: calendar cards - a New Year's greeting card that opens up into a year calendar, Valentines, and Halloween joke cards.

What kinds of things inspire the imagery you print?

I'm definitely a nostalgic person. I love old printed ephemera from the 1850s- 1940s. Yesterday's junk mail was so beautiful - the designs and printing are so delightful. I also love to look at old postcards and old children's books. I'm also inspired by the world around me - I love animals, the sea, the Portland cityscape, and bikes, so I make cards on those themes. "Bunny on a Bike", "Sea Monkey", "Pirate Fashion", and the Portland Bridge series are some of my favorites. I don't set out to make art that shocks or speaks for a larger issue. I like to make plays on words, and make imagery that is warm or fun for all ages. Some people put my work in the whimsical category.

What is your take on the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"

That's a good question. I see myself more as an artist than a craft person - but yet I use traditional craft methods of wood-cutting and making usable art. But at the end of the day, I feel that my work can not be copied. I often hear of crafters complaining that someone else is now making their great idea. No one has really followed in my path - most printers want to work in larger scale, and sell framed work at a higher price. I started out selling my original printed postcards for $2 each, and only this past year raised the price up a dollar. It was hard for me to do, but I realized that each piece I make is often hand colored, and is hand printed, and does take some effort to make.

I also feel more comfortable selling at craft events vs gallery events. My work would never be taken seriously at an art gallery, my prices are too low. Instead I sell my art in retail shops and at craft fairs throughout the year.

What are your favorite creative spots in Portland?

The Independent Publishing Resource Center is often a buzz with creative projects. One afternoon I witnessed folks working on the Kitchen Sink First Thurs show, the Portland Free School, and the Ballyhoo Festival. I'm so impressed with all the projects that Portland's creative folks make happen - often out of their own pocket, and just because they want to. I also enjoy the unique craft sale scene - from Crafty Wonderland to Handmade Bazaar and even Last Thursdays on Alberta. This is my 6th summer out there setting up my little table display on the sidewalk around the 29th block. I love it - all the great people I meet and instant feedback I get, and all the artist friends I've met through the years. Portland's a wonderful town to be a crafty artist.