Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Richardson
Hi Karina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Riso Studio Arts was the brainchild of Albert McCartney, one of the longest-running RISO dealers in the United States. Albert has run Amerimacs, a printer and copier company with his son, for over forty years, mostly servicing schools and offices. RISO is a Japanese company that makes the Risograph, a peculiar type of mimeograph copier that prints on paper with a revolving print drum, one color at a time.
Over the years artists have been experimenting with the Risograph, running and re-running prints through them to layer different colored ink on top of each other. The result is a unique object; something between a screenprint and a photocopy with distinctive, vibrant tones. McCartney was inspired by the passion he saw in the burgeoning Riso community and decided to start a new company that focused on nurturing it. Riso Studio Arts is the result: a small group of artist-technicians determined to provide RISO supplies to artists and to spread awareness of this unique, growing art form.
In August of 2024 we opened our first brick and mortar location in Los Angeles: a multi-purpose space to hold workshops, repair RISO machines and MORE. Another location is already in the works in Portland, OR as well, set to open sometime in 2025.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle is our own ambition. RSA is aiming to do… all of the things. Determinedly DIY, our small team of artists handle everything from ordering supplies to servicing machines and keeping the studio tidy for our renters! Fun fact- we are the only team where the artists are also all trained technicians! We are so excited to do everything that we have to try very hard to make sure we are maintaining a good work/life balance.
We’ve been impressed with Riso Studio Arts, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are one of the few Official RISO dealers in the US, and when we are not working hard to make our community studio everything that it can be, we are focusing on bringing art back into schools. From elementary schools to colleges, we are helping our partner schools start and develop RISO-based art programs that will empower the next generation of artists with valuable skills in graphic design and printmaking.
At our Los Angeles location we have three dual drum duplicators with a palette of 12 colors and silkscreen burning machines that bring the screen burning process from hours to minutes! Since opening this fall we have already begun filling our calendar with workshops from RISO 101 and Silkscreen 101 to collage nights, Riso for Illustrators, and a one month zine intensive!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We operate from a set of moral principles. Albert likes to say “we’re gonna do things differently”. Compassion, generosity, and creative freedom are key tenants of our practice.
Pricing:
- Open Studio Riso Time- $35/hr, + $20 fee if you want to use the Metallic Gold drum
- Open Studio Silkscreen Time- $35/hr, + additional fee for screen burning (depending on the screen size)
- Workshops and Events in the studio range from a $25 one night event to a $400 one month intensive class.
- Commission printing pricing available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://risostudioarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risostudioarts/
