Artist Statement

While I have been a graphic designer for over 20 years, in recent years I have wanted to pursue artistic expression with a hands-on approach rather than digitally. What I love about printmaking is letting go of absolute perfection and admiring the beauty that results from that. Every print is an experiment of textures, materials and techniques with the possibility of human error. Living in a world that strives on perfection, I enjoy being able to let go and not get the same exact result every time.

I also enjoy the process that printmaking brings. Planning the drawing. Making the plate. Soaking the paper. Rolling the ink. Applying the color. Running through the press. Unveiling the results. Every step has its own satisfaction. The cyanotype process allows me to examine objects from nature to everyday life, contemplating how shapes and shadows can translate into something more, especially when layering or using in combination with other printmaking techniques.

Ultimately, I hope that my work allows the viewer to come to their own conclusions on how to think and feel, as well as appreciate imperfection and not take everyday life too seriously.

About The Artist

Carissa (Howland) Toomey grew up in North Adams, one of 5 children. She is a graduate of Regis College in Weston, MA, where she received a BA in art with a concentration in graphic design. While she has made her living as a graphic designer, she felt the need to pursue artistic expression with a more hands-on approach in recent years. This led to her revisiting a printmaking class she had loved during her studies.

She began to rediscover linoleum cuts and monoprints, first by hand then acquiring her own press. Carissa also took some classes with Leni Fried, a master printmaker located in the Old Stone Mill in Adams, MA. From there, she started exploring textures and techniques with collographs. She also started playing with cyanotypes on her own and loves to mix different techniques together.

Carissa is most influenced by the art periods of Art Noveau and Art Deco, Pop Art, the architecture of Antonio Gaudi, old fashion magazine covers such a Vogue, folk design, the beauty of nature and all things quirky and old.

A resident of Adams, Carissa enjoys the beauty and nature the town has to offer – from the top of Mount Greylock to the Maple Street Cemetery she lives across from. She and her husband have lovingly restored & renovated an old house from c. 1862 over many years. They have two children, two cats and a dog.

For more detail about the below images,

please visit my portfolio section in the menu above.