New Wave V ABC

For artists like Michael Cobb who have mastered silkscreen technique, this rather complicated process can become an almost limitless expressive tool. When, like Cobb, the artist is able to combine imagination and a superb sense of design with the mastered silkscreen technique, what is produced can be truly exciting.

The multi-media silkscreen process used in creating the Treasure Suite Series is indeed complicated. Cobb starts with a unique hand-made French paper, which he wets and then puts through a hand-drawn embossing press. After the paper has dried to the artist’s satisfaction, he puts the paper through the silkscreen press for two to three colour runs including ma metallic. Again after waiting for drying, the pieces are put back through the hand-embossing press one more time. Afterwards, he hand-applies gold leaf and watercolour, a process that can take hours. The piece is then deckled, glued and ready for signing. The entire process takes days to complete.

Cobb has a knack for combining colours, shapes and gestures. He studied art under the private tutelage of John Ringen in the late 60’s and printmaking with Max Hayslette in the early 70’s. In 1974, Cobb graduated from the Cornish School of Allied Arts in Seattle, Washington. Cobb practiced interior design from 1974 - 1978 while pursuing his art career. His first edition was published shortly after joining Olympus Atelier in 1978. Recently, in search of inspiration, Cobb traveled through Europe, spending most of his time in Italy.  

Michael Cobb’s work can be found in many private, corporate and public collections such as IBM Corporation, AT & T; Bank of Hawaii; United Airlines; Western International Hotels; Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith, Inc.; Washington Mutual Savings Bank; Ernst & Ernst; Pacific Northwest Bell; Xerox Corp; The Austin Company; The Old National Bank of Washington and Rainier National Bank of Washington.