Studio Tour: Richard Hricko
This summer I had the pleasure to visit the studio of Philadelphia-based print artist and educator, Richard Hricko. I had heard stories about his workspace for years, as it is considered by many to be one of the finest (single-occupant) print studios in the city. Located like the prow of a ship at the South-facing corner of the Crane Arts complex, situated between the Olde Kensington and Northern Liberties neighborhoods, the studio proved to be as spacious and light-filled as any I’ve ever seen.
It should be noted that Richard Hricko earned his space. He was one of the three principals founders of Crane Arts, and over-saw the painstaking renovation of the century old factory complex, transforming it into a bustling arts hub that houses dozens of studios, several gallery spaces and community art spaces (here and here), and plays host to loads of excellent programing.
Thaw I, Copperplate Photogravure on Somerset Satin, 20″x 15″.
Image courtesy of the artist.
In addition to his work as a professor and arts community impresario, Hricko is an accomplished print artist. His work is subtle and visually luscious to look upon, both qualities that sadly won’t translate well on your monitor. His two current bodies work explore invented and observed natural forms through delicate copperplate photogravures and large scale, experimental, intaglio prints.
Installation shot from Thomas Hunter Projects, NY. left, Sycamore III, Sycamore IV, Birch II, Bark Intaglio and Rust Monoprints on Suzuki and Okawara, 70″x23″ (each), right, Thaw I, seen above. Image courtesy of the artist.
Follow the jump to follow the studio tour.
And you better bring a hanky to catch the saliva-overflow inducing amazingness!
Nice views.
Working primarily in intaglio related processes the studio is tricked out to support Hricko’s mode of working.
Tools, neatly organized.
That is a great big press!
Cool plexi paper drip tray.
Some test prints. When I came to visit Hricko had a show up in NYC, so there wasn’t much work about the studio.
Some fine letterpresses.
You have to appreciate a clean, well-organized space.
Cozy reading corner.
Not everything is on casters.. but most things are, making it easier to re-configure the space as needed.
The digital hub on the left.
We should all have this in our studios.
Chem storage fridge.
Mini-spray booth.
Wunderkammer.
I could spend all day looking through all the interesting stuff in this place.
This workspace was being used by Hricko’s studio assistant.
Some work in progress.
Some plates of various types.
A few working that happened to be hanging on the wall during my visit.
And a plate & print next to one anther, for anyone curious about what it might be like to wipe a copperplate photogravure.
A big thank you to Richard Hricko for generously opening up his space to us!
Lovely to see this familiar space through a fresh set of eyes. It is beautiful and so very functional, a testament to Richard’s ability to really design a functioning space. .
This space makes me want to make more prints:)
Richard’s space is so beautiful and the photographs are richly detailed. Thank you for sending this!
Nice to see that great space again after not having been there for a few years. Looking forward to a trip back to the US in June for the Great Event!
T. Hricko
Saigon
A Printmaking Heaven.
A truly wonderful space! Something to aspire to at some point for myself…the dream studio
What a great place to work, the big windows are wonderful. Thanks for posting this.