By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
Brandon Graving, a master printmaker and sculptor, has spent decades redefining the boundaries of traditional art forms, creating works that are as visually striking as they are deeply meaningful.
Based in North Adams, Massachusetts, her Gravity Press Experimental Print Shop serves as both a workshop and a haven for innovation in printmaking. Artists from around the globe come to work with Graving, drawn by her reputation as a pioneer in her field.
Graving’s work is profoundly tied to nature and the environment.
“My work is very concerned with evoking the natural world. It’s very concerned with ecology,” she explained.
Her studio operates as a non-toxic space, an approach she began implementing decades ago.
“I run a non-toxic print shop, which, beginning 30 years ago, was absolutely groundbreaking,” she said.
Instead of relying on traditional, often harmful materials, she uses natural elements like vegetable oil for cleaning and creates her own inks from substances such as acorns and soot.
“Many of the inks that I use—be it made out of acorns or the soot from my wood stove—are deeply intentional,” she said, reflecting her belief that every material should align with her values.
Graving’s experimental techniques in printmaking are equally groundbreaking. She uses specialized platen presses, including one she affectionately refers to as “The Monster,” which has a five-by-eleven-foot press bed. The press allows her to push the boundaries of size and texture.
“These presses allow for a level of precision and creativity that traditional roller presses simply can’t achieve,” she said.
She also speaks to the unique advantages of her approach: “The platen press creates a full-surface contact, which allows the inks to migrate deeper into the paper, creating a whole world of new information.”
‘EPHEMERA: RIVER WITH FLOWERS’
Among her most celebrated works is Ephemera: River with Flowers, a 10.5-by-32-foot monoprint. Graving recalls how the piece captures the overwhelming power and significance of water.
“It’s about how the river starts really small and then gets so huge that water takes over. If you’ve ever walked in a flood, it’s remarkable how much power water has,” Graving said.
To complement the piece, Graving created a sculptural installation of driftwood, sourced from the Hoosick River in Massachusetts and the Mississippi River in New Orleans. The work not only reflects the natural forces of water but also invites viewers to contemplate the cultural practice of throwing flowers into water to honor love, life and loss.
The piece was on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art during Hurricane Katrina. Graving vividly recounts the chaos surrounding the storm and the heroic efforts of museum staff.
“The guards stayed in the museum, living off vending machine food for two and a half weeks until the Army Corps of Engineers came,” she recalled.
Despite the devastation of the hurricane, “Ephemera: River with Flowers” survived and was later acquired by the Frederick R. Weisman Collection. It has since been exhibited in numerous venues, bringing its powerful message to audiences worldwide.
A CAREER OF RECOGNITION
Throughout her illustrious career, Graving has received several prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to the arts. She was honored with the Pollack-Krasner Foundation Award, a grant that provided critical support for her work following Hurricane Katrina.
More recently, she received the “Spark” Lifetime Achievement Award from Louisiana College of the Arts, where she earned her fine art degree. These accolades highlight her enduring impact on the art world and her innovative approach to both printmaking and sculpture.
Graving divides her time between her role as master printmaker at Gravity Press Experimental Print Shop and her personal art practice, which includes creating works currently featured in international exhibitions.
A PASSION FOR COLLABORATION AND TEACHING
Graving’s print shop isn’t just a space for her personal practice—it’s also a collaborative environment where she works with other artists.
“I love watching those sparks happen in others that I’m working with—finding out what they want and helping them get that, and watching that explosion in their own minds,” she said.
Many artists come to her studio to experiment with techniques they can’t explore elsewhere, taking advantage of her innovative equipment and years of expertise.
Her role as a mentor is deeply fulfilling for Graving, who relishes the opportunity to guide artists as they push their creative boundaries.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to see that spark of realization in someone else’s work,” she noted.
THE EVOLUTION OF ABSTRACTION
While Graving’s works are rooted in ecological themes, they also embrace abstraction, inviting viewers to engage with them on a personal level.
“Working in an abstract manner allows more room for the viewer to interpret their own meaning,” she said.
For example, her blue and yellow prints, created years ago, took on new significance following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“Things in real life also change meaning, which is fascinating,” she said, highlighting how art can shift in resonance depending on the viewer’s experiences and the world around them.
Graving often incorporates semi-recognizable objects into her work, such as patterns resembling a lion’s mane or other natural forms, which invite interpretation.
“For me, allowing the viewer to come up with a certain amount of their own interpretation is fascinating,” she explained.
RESILIENCE AND JOY IN THE ARTISTIC PROCESS
At the core of Graving’s work is a celebration of life’s resilience and beauty, even in the face of challenges. Her commitment to creativity persisted even after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed most of her belongings and artworks. Despite the loss, she continued to create, finding solace in her artistic practice.
“While I am exploring a very wide spectrum of subjects, some very intimately, I believe there’s an overall exuberance and joy and celebration in the work,” she said.
This sense of joy is also evident in her playful approach to process. She recounts washing her enormous felts in a local river to maintain their flexibility, a task that often results in her getting drenched.
“Luckily, no one has ever caught me doing this on film,” she said with a laugh.
A LIFETIME OF EXPLORATION
Graving’s artistic journey spans decades and continents, from her roots in New Orleans to her travels in Africa, where she studied the intersection of art and cultural practices.
“I was fascinated by how artifacts used in religious ceremonies were manipulated and changed,” she recalled.
Her time abroad continues to influence her work, as she incorporates unique materials and processes she discovered during her travels.
Today, Graving remains dedicated to her craft, creating works that challenge, inspire and delight. Whether through her intricate prints, large-scale installations or collaborative projects, she exemplifies the power of art to connect us to the natural world—and to each other.
“Life is so short, and each minute is so precious,” she reflects. “I believe it’s extremely important to live very intentionally, with kindness and generosity to others.”