Community Highlights: Meet Ernest Fackler of ECF Printshop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ernest Fackler.

Hi Ernest, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have a BFA in Painting and Drawing, as well as a teaching certificate from Wayne State University. I worked in commercial screen printing during college and in between my degrees. I’ve now been teaching Visual Arts at the Elementary level for the last 13 year. My passion for creating Art and, in particular, printmaking has led me to my side hustle business. I create hand-carved and hand-printed woodcut prints using a variety of techniques. Woodcut or Woodblock printing is the earliest form of printmaking, dating to the 7th or 8th century. I specialize in Reduction printing, which uses 1 woodblock that is carved several times to create multi-colored prints. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Printmaking has always been an art form for mass appeal and consumption. Printmaking allows me to create my artwork, make variations, and produce many prints in an edition. Because of this, I can sell my work at an affordable price for all consumers. Honestly, time is the only struggle I have. Too little time to produce the work that is ruminating in my head. 

We’ve been impressed with ECF Printshop, 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?
I create and sell Woodcut prints. Not many artist use wood for printing anymore; many use linoleum or linocut materials. The difference being Traditional printing methods, wood is more rigid, and textural qualities differ. I specialize in Reduction printing: Block printing is often defined by high-contrast, single-color images. A reduction print includes several colors. The artist carves away or “reduces” portions of a printing block, printing at intervals, one color at a time. After the final layer of color, the block has been reduced to a final state and can no long reproduce the same images. 

During the reduction process, I change the ink colors to create one of a kind-colored prints. 

What are your plans for the future?
I am planning on creating more images, learning and utilizing different techniques, and mastering my craft. 

Contact Info:

• Website: ernestcarlfackler.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ecfprintshop/

Image Credits
Ernest Fackler