Shinn, who specializes in intaglio printmaking and ink illustration, arrived March 30 and will remain through April 13. The residency is based in Cellar Press, a letterpress and printmaking studio in the basement of The Grand Center for Arts and Culture.

Shinn grew up in the Twin Cities and attended a high school with art programming that included linocut relief printing. Printmaking became a primary focus in college while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

“I liked it, and then I really just continued to spiral into the world of printmaking, and especially into intaglio etching because I like the process so much,” Shinn said. “I like using the copper plates, and it’s a pretty arduous process.”

Intaglio is a printmaking process in which lines are etched into a copper plate. Ink is applied to the plate, forced into recessed lines and transferred to dampened paper using a press.

A marker and ink illustration by Izzy Shinn showcases the artist’s detailed line work. (Illustration by Izzy Shinn)

Shinn’s work combines elements of 14th-century illuminated manuscripts, archival materials and contemporary illustration. The work draws from sources including medieval and pre-Renaissance imagery as well as printed ephemera.

They also create comics and illustrations, selecting format based on narrative structure.

“When I think of a comic, I am thinking about images that are communicating with each other … to tell a story,” Shinn said. “Not to say that a singular image can’t do that, but I think in sort of shots of something. It’s why I am kind of a big fan of film processes.”

As an example of visual storytelling, Shinn cited “All That Jazz”, directed by Bob Fosse.

Influences include comic artists Jillian Tamaki, Linnea Sterte and Jeremy Sorese. Additional influences include photographers Chloe Sherman and Joan E. Biren, as well as filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

Artist‑in‑Residence Izzy Shinn examines a freshly embossed print inside Cellar Press at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture. Shinn is spending two weeks in the studio producing new intaglio work and preparing materials for an upcoming workshop. Photo by Amy Zents

During the residency, Shinn is producing intaglio prints incorporating chine collé, a technique that adheres thin decorative papers during printing to add color and texture.

The process includes preparing thin papers with methyl cellulose, cutting shapes and layering them with the printed image.

Shinn demonstrated the process by preparing copper plates and cutting colored papers for use in an upcoming workshop. Plates are cut, sanded, coated with ground, drawn on, etched in acid, inked and printed.

They are producing multiple variations of each image, resulting in editions of 18 to 24 prints. The work is intended to contribute to a larger series organized by time-based themes, drawing on visual formats of pre-internet print media.

“The ultimate goal is to keep making as much as I can,” Shinn said. “It’s fun. In any way possible.”

An ink illustration by Izzy Shinn features a figure at an arched window framed by decorative borders. (Illustration by Izzy Shinn)

Shinn will lead an intaglio workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Cellar Press. Participants will use prepared copper plates and complete the full process from drawing to printing, including chine collé.

The workshop is open to participants ages 15 and older. The cost is $15, with a discounted rate available for participants in the artist-in-residence community project.

Shinn has completed commissioned portrait and character work and focuses primarily on independent illustration and printmaking projects.

More information about the residency and workshop is available by calling 507-359-9222 or emailing cellarpress@thegrandnewulm.org.