RISO Artist of the Month Penny McElroy

What is your name and the name of your organization/location?

Penny McElroy. I work at the University of Redlands in Redlands California.

How long have you been in the art industry?

44 years as an artist and 40 years teaching art at the college level.

How long have you been using RISO duplicators and the method of RISOGRAPHY?

I was introduced to the Risograph at Penland School of Craft in the summer of 2019, through a workshop taught by Wooly Press proprietors Mica Mead & Colin Sutherland.

What are some of your favorite colors to use with a duplicator?

Fluorescent Pink, Medium Blue, Yellow, Black, Metallic Gold

Why RISOGRAPHY?

There is just nothing else like it. I love the image quality and richness of the overprinted colors. One of the art forms that I first loved is screen printing, and the Riso makes prints of a similar quality and aesthetic. I don’t use the Riso in the way that most artists do – I like to make digital composite images and print them as 4 color process. I’m very attracted to the way that the Riso medium influences the content of the work.

What would you tell people who are just finding out about RISO Duplicators and the art form of RISOGRAPHY?

Don’t be afraid to experiment! So much is possible with this medium!

Website Links:

You can find me on Instagram @mcelroypenny and my website is pennymcelroy.art