In s3e56, Platemark host Ann Shafer introduces a five-part miniseries with the artists in 5X5, an exhibition that was part of PrintAustin 2024. First up is Briar Craig, one of five artists selected for inclusion in 5X5 by juror J. Myszka Lewis, curator at Tandem Press, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Briar is an artist and professor at University of British Columbia, Kelowna. He primarily works in screenprint, using found text and surprising juxtapositions. Ann and Briar talk about words and their unlikely combinations, Dada poetry, UV screenprints, his favorite color, and the only text-based tattoo that has tempted him so far.

Briar Craig (Canadian, born 1961). UTOPIAN VACUUM, 2017. UV screenprint. 40 x 28 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Briar Craig (Canadian, born 1961). An Uncomfortable Situation Will Soon be Eased, UV screenprint. 40 x 28 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Installation view of Briar Craig: README. January 29–April 17, 2022. Kelowna Art Gallery, Kelowna, BC, Canada.

Briar Craig (Canadian, born 1961). White Wash Privilege, 2014. UV screenprint. 40 x 28 in. Courtesy of the Artist.

Sam Gilliam (American, 1933–2022). 3 PM School Bus, 2018. Screenprint. 18 ½ x 51 ½. Published by Lily Press, Rockville, MD. All rights reserved. Courtesy of Lily Press.

Sam Gilliam (American, 1933–2022). 4 PM School Bus, 2018. Screenprint. 18 ½ x 51 ½. Published by Lily Press, Rockville, MD. All rights reserved. Courtesy of Lily Press.

Briar Craig (Canadian, born 1961). There Is Nothing You Can’t Do, 2017. Neon. 120 x 38 x 5 in. (305 x 97 x 12.5 cm.). Courtesy of the Artist.

USEFUL LINKS

Briar’s website www.briarcraig.com

Briar’s video about printing White Wash Privilege https://youtu.be/o-NCS2IwSGc?si=0b_PoHveHf98RvFN