Bellamy Printz (b.1965)
Pictured left to right:
- Pillar, Istanbul, 1974, 2020
- Bridge, Highland Heights, 2017 (commissioned by Summa Health) 2020
- Paused, Queens NY, 1975, 2020.
Materials: Mixed media monoprints on Fabriano Tiepolo paper: 16 ¾” x 11”, 22”x 22”, 11”x13”
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower on the Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), sixth floor hallway, outside patient rooms H6-125 and H6-126.
About the Art
These three monoprints are part of Bellamy Printz's ongoing project, which explores her family history. As “the only child of two only-children,” Printz has inherited a collection of family photos, spanning four generations, that she has continued to manipulate, layer, and reimagine in her work. For those familiar with Bellamy as one of the founders of Zygote Press in Cleveland, it’s clear that printmaking is her medium of choice, and these monoprints are an example of her ability to fuse family history with artistic innovation.
Each of these pieces reflects Printz's long-standing engagement with personal, familial narratives and the emotional resonance of images. Through the act of juxtaposing snapshots from different eras, she creates works that both preserve and transform her family’s story, offering a profound and universal connection to the past. The monoprints in this series, entitled Time Elastic, capture moments of emotional intimacy and nostalgia, drawing on themes of comfort and solace that resonate deeply in her own family and speak to the broader human experience.
Monoprints Technique
A monoprint is a unique print, created by pressing paper against a prepared surface to make a single impression. Unlike most prints, which are produced in multiple editions, each monoprint is one-of-a-kind. For these pieces, Printz begins with watercolor paintings on mylar (a plastic material), which are then transferred onto dampened paper through the press. After manipulating and enhancing the images with digital tools to highlight certain features, Printz makes a final print run. This process, known as a "double drop" because the damp paper receives two separate impressions, results in a print that combines both careful planning and the unpredictable nature of printmaking. What might initially appear as fuzzy photographs are, in fact, one-of-a-kind monoprints, rich with subtle detail.
Pillar, Istanbul, 1974
The title Pillar suggests a vertical structure, but Printz surprises us with a horizontal composition, eschewing an obvious pillar. Instead, the seated woman in the image leans against something vertical, likely a tree, which shifts the focus to a metaphorical pillar: the strength of the mother. The image, soft and intimate, evokes the memory of a distant moment, encouraging the viewer to project their own interpretations. The red shoes serve as a striking contrast to the otherwise muted tones, hinting at hidden stories within the scene.
Bridge, Highland Heights, 2017
This monoprint captures the quiet intimacy between a grandparent and grandchild at the close of the grandparent's life. The clasped hands symbolize a bridge between generations, a connection that offers comfort and solace in times of transition. The artist's delicate manipulation of ink and subtle color palette transforms this close-up view into a sculptural moment, full of both emotional depth and visual clarity.
Paused, Queens, NY, 1975
In this work, a child in a garden seeks solace from an adult, whose protective gesture of placing a gentle hand on the child’s head speaks volumes. The child’s face is hidden, and the adult's figure is cropped at the shoulder, leaving the relationship between them to be felt rather than seen in full. Printz’s careful inclusion of the garden setting invites a wealth of associations, from the historical significance of gardens in art to more personal memories of solace and protection.
About the Artist
Bellamy Printz is a long-time Clevelander, originally from New York City, whose education spans across the U.S. She holds a B.A. from Macalester College, a B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and an M.F.A. from the University of Washington. Printz’s work has been widely recognized, with notable exhibitions at institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Progressive Insurance, and her prints are in private collections internationally.
As a co-founder of Zygote Press in Cleveland, Printz has made significant contributions to the local art scene, which were honored with the Martha Joseph Award from the Cleveland Arts Prize in 2012. She has also received commissions, fellowships, and international recognition, including a residency in Dresden, Germany, and a guest lecture at the Third International Printmaking Seminar in Santiago, Chile.
Where to See More of Bellamy Printz’s Work
Bellamy Printz’s work can be viewed on her website, where she shares her thoughts on the artmaking process and offers insights into her techniques. Additionally, her work is represented in major collections, including those of Progressive Insurance and the Cleveland Clinic. She continues to exhibit widely, with recent shows in Cleveland, Columbus, and internationally. For an in-depth exploration of her photo-based prints, you can also visit the Yards Project at Worthington Yards and various galleries across the globe.