Casie Graphics (Stefanie Haslberger) made prints in stunning colors during her Artist Residency at AGA LAB, inspired by (exotic) plants and animals. We asked about her thoughts on her work and experiences during the process.
How does a new work or project usually start for you?
I often seek inspiration from a variety of sources, including vintage animal books, art history museums, and freely accessible internet libraries. Additionally, the worlds of graffiti, art, art history, and tattoos serve as constant sources of creative influence for me. My creative process typically begins with a pencil sketch, which I later refine using software such as Adobe Fresco, Photoshop, or Procreate. I have a particular passion for depicting animals and nature, often blending them with vibrant colors and intricate black-and-white line drawings. I find valuable inspiration by revisiting my past work, using it as a foundation to evolve and develop new artistic pieces.
What graphic technique did you mainly work with here at AGA LAB? And why did you work with this technique?
I initially arrived here with the intent of learning screen printing, despite having limited prior knowledge of the technique. I had briefly attempted an introductory course five years ago, but found it daunting at the time. However, I’ve since developed a deep fascination for this technique. Screen printing aligns perfectly with my artistic aim, allowing me to produce intricate and highly detailed work with amazing print quality due to the thick ink layers. What particularly draws me to screen printing is the ability to use vibrant, unique colors like neon, gold, and pastels, making each print special and of excellent quality.
Do you remember what you had in mind before you came here? Is there something in your art practice that you often don’t get around to and that you really have now found the time for?
I aimed to create large-scale prints with 5 or more colors, but I’ve come to appreciate working with Din A2 format prints and using 5 or more colors. The size isn’t my primary concern; I value the versatility of colors more. I don’t have the opportunity to do screen printing at home, which is why I’m grateful for the 24-hour studio access here at AGA lab. I thoroughly enjoy spending time there, working on my projects. My main objective has always been to master screenprinting and create intricate prints independently.
Many residents who preceded you here told us about their lows and their happy moments during their working process. Did you also expect these learning moments and what happiness did you experience during your creative process?
It took me some time to grasp the proper screen preparation techniques, as there are many potential pitfalls to navigate. To be honest, I had reservations about whether I could master it effectively. The most challenging aspect for me has been aligning the design without any white gaps, and there are numerous methods to achieve this. Even the slightest error can derail the entire process. It could be quite frustrating sometimes, especially when a piece of paper wasn’t cut precisely or the printer caused issues with the film. However, the most rewarding moment arrives when I’m printing the final color.
How do the AiR Talks, the interaction with other AiR’s, staff and artists printing at AGA LAB influence your residency?
During my first month here, I often worked in the studio alongside Ollie Goodson from England. He had experience with screen printing, especially for large textile prints. I was new to screen printing and faced difficulties, Ollie was a big help. Additionally, Maarten provided me with a great introduction to screen printing and was consistently available to give support whenever I faced difficulties. Being around other artists in the studio was always inspiring and kept me motivated.
You concluded your residency with a presentation in gallery De Bouwput. What did you show?
At the exhibition, my aim is to showcase my journey in screen printing. When I arrived here, I had no prior knowledge or experience in the craft. During my time here, I’ve concentrated on screen printing on paper, and at the exhibition, I displayed all the paper-based work I’ve created over the past few weeks.
More work by Casie Graphics can be found on: