Stampalofi

Aim

To start an open printmaker's workshop in Leith that welcomes both artists and non artists to try printmaking and other arts activities

Who are StampaLoFi?

Hello!  We are StampaLoFi! We’re a new printmaking studio in Leith.  We provide the space and resources to start your printmaking journey in a friendly, fun, accessible environment using lo-fi techniques.  We are crowdfunding with Crowdmatch support from Creative Scotland.  

More specifically, we are:

Rab

 Rab is a printmaker and participatory artist.  With a printmaking degree from Greys School of Art in Aberdeen, Rab did an internship at the Edinburgh Printmakers workshop when it was at the top of Leith walk in 2014.

Rab likes his art studios to have open doors, where people can feel welcome to engage and participate.  He finds his art (and his life) is better when he’s interacting with, teaching, and speaking to other people. His love for participatory art and his passion for printmaking makes him a natural printmaking educator.

Fliss

Fliss is an artist, illustrator and ex-neuroscientist. A self-taught artist working in a variety of 2D media, she walked out of the lab and into the print studio. With Rab’s help and instruction she started adding printmaking to her repertoire of techniques, and now does the administration for StampaLoFi.  

Fliss loves art that is strange and subversive. She tries to bring her scientific background into every artwork she produces, and is always up for trying a new art technique.  She also loves spreadsheets, and is very experienced in organising complicated collaborations and big projects from her past career.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Fliss in the print studio

When Rab found an empty shop space in Ocean Terminal, he saw an opportunity to share his love of printmaking. With the help of The Leith Collective, he moved his lo-fi printmaking equipment into the space and started teaching the public all about mimeography using a hacked-fax machine.

Artists using the studio

StampaLoFi was started as a space for Rab to make his prints and help others to do the same. When Fliss came down to visit the space, she immediately saw the potential, and set to work learning printmaking and getting organised. The space has since been developed into a functioning printmakers studio, artist hot-desk space, and gallery, and officially opened in February 2023.

New printmakers show off their creations

In our next steps to make the space into a self-sustaining creative business, we are asking for help to raise the funds to buy a professional etching press, a second printing press, and other printmaking equipment, as well as funds to secure the space. This will mean StampaLoFi can expand the workshops we provide, bringing a range of fun printmaking techniques to the public and providing printmaking resources for artists and art-enthusiasts alike.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Our aim is to provide printmaking facilities and education to all in a fun, relaxed, accessible, and collaborative environment. 

The hot desk studio space

Our first priority is to get a proper etching press with which we will be able to teach more types of printmaking. This is a big purchase, but it will massively increase the functionality of the workshop space, giving all aspiring printmakers another technique at their disposal.  When the press is acquired, it will need a new name, and we'll be asking everyone who donates to submit their suggestions!

Alongside the main press we are hoping to raise enough to buy 2 smaller (and much less intimidating) printing presses for people to practise on without any worries about breaking them. 

Part of our budget is for advertising and promotion, so that we can get the word out to artists and printmakers across Leith and Edinburgh.

If we exceed our crowdfunding targets, then additional funds will go towards essential materials and equipment such as ink, print rollers, ink knives, other printing sundries. We will also invest in proper storage, so that our artists can store their materials in the space.

And finally, although very importantly, funds will go towards the rent of the space for the next few months to give us a bit of breathing room to grow into the shape we are hoping to be.

Testimonials

"StampaLoFi is a genuinely unique printmaking experience... The process is really cool, really accessible, and really satisfying, and I don't think there is anyone else doing anything quite like this" - Bethany

"An inspiring and relaxed space to create in... I'd definitely recommend a visit!" Joanna

"Robert really knows his stuff and he is a wonderful teacher.  I came away with some new creative ideas to do on my own. I hope to go back soon." - Anne

"It was fascinating to learn about the different techniques that printmakers have used over the years... The workshop location in Ocean Terminal was spacioius, easy to find, accessible by public transit and decorated with lots of fun colourful prints to provide inspiration!" - Halley

"Support the only place in the universe combining fax machines, monsters and paint!  We went to a brilliant StampaLoFi workshop in the Ocean Terminal and it blew our tiny minds. During our time there, Robert took us through the process - teaching us about the history of printing, regularly resuscitating his ancient pattern printing fax machine like a modern day Dr Frankinstein - to bring our very own creatures into glorious full colour print.  Utilising an empty shop in the Ocean Terminal, Robert is creating fantastic opportunities for folk of all abilities to have fun learning new skills - this exciting space can prove that opportunities for creativity can be found in the most unexpected of places. Just ask the monsters"- Suzanne

Rewards available

Please see the rewards for more details.

Workshops in Mimeography and Linoprint.

A wee print:

A wee bit bigger print: 

A bigger print:

This project successfully funded on 21st April 2023