Printmaking from the Heart

In a corner of the Regis University printmaking studio, Ada Gonzalez’s creative process unfolds like a dance between intention and spontaneity. Surrounded by everything one would need to create, the Denver-based artist’s prints begin to take form, not in the way she expects, but in how she feels they should. The art that emerges is an exploration of identity, memory, and belonging, drawn from the personal and cultural history that Gonzalez carries with her.

Ada Gonzalez poses in the lush trees of Regis University in Denver, Colorado on October 26th, 2024. Photo by Emilie Friske.

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Gonzalez navigates complex themes of self-expression, cultural heritage, and artistic exploration through her work, particularly in her use of printmaking machines to capture the essence of textiles. These machines, while vital to her craft, present their challenges, requiring precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the materials involved. “I have to be careful about what I put through the printing machines,” Gonzalez said. “Not every material can be used, so sometimes I have to rethink a project.”

The printmaking process demands a delicate balance between the tactile qualities of textiles and the mechanical constraints of the machines. Gonzalez often finds herself navigating unexpected outcomes, whether due to the texture of a fabric, the ink’s behavior, or the pressure of the press. Yet, these challenges are central to her artistic journey, pushing her to innovate and embrace the imperfections that make each piece unique.

The printmaking studio where Ada Gonzalez's inspiration comes to life. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.

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Another view of the printmaking studio, with the machines that Ada Gonzalez often uses. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.

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“When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer,” Gonzalez admits with a smile. “Clothing has always held a special meaning for me. It’s personal, it’s history.” She is drawn to the way clothing carries memories, of family gatherings, of events, of love and loss. Her prints reflect that deep connection. Soft, flowing shapes of fabric, moments captured in ink and on paper.

Regis University’s print-making studio is packed with everything an artist would need to make their vision come to life. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Tools of the trade in the print-making studio. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Her prints tend to favor cool, calm colors like blues and greens, tones that feel like a quiet conversation with her past. The flowing lines of her work mirror the soft curves of fabric. Yet, she acknowledges a growing desire to push past these boundaries, to experiment with bolder colors, sharper shapes, and new forms of expression. “I’m nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone,” Gonzalez confesses. “But I hope to explore that more in the future. I think I would like to use more red in my work”

Ada Gonzalez holding one of her prints. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Ada Gonzalez holding a shirt she used in one of her prints. This shirt was specifically special to Ada, she was happy to give it new life in her artwork. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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This vulnerability, the tension between safety and risk, tradition and innovation, is mirrored in Gonzalez’s printmaking techniques. Each piece she creates reflects a balance between precision and experimentation, tradition and reinvention. Her process involves layering textures, patterns, and stories, often drawing from textiles imbued with personal and cultural significance. Like the bold decision she made at age 13 to cut her long hair, a taboo in her culture but a personal act of defiance, her approach to printmaking challenges conventions.

Gonzalez’s work transforms everyday materials into intricate prints, a process that demands patience and adaptability. The texture of fabrics, the behavior of ink, and the pressure of the press all introduce variables that require her to embrace unpredictability. Much like her choice to redefine herself through her haircut, each print is a declaration of authenticity, a testament to the courage it takes to push boundaries and embrace one’s true self.

Portrait of Ada Gonzalez in the printmaking studio located in Regis University. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.

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Ada Gonzalez shows some of the other types of materials she uses to inspire her artwork. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Her art reflects this inner journey, this balance of contradictions. Gonzalez describes how her creative process often surprises her. “When my print comes out, it’s never something I’ve seen before,” Gonzalez said. “I have a vision of what I don’t want it to be and what I want it to be, but it always turns out differently.”

For Gonzalez, it’s the journey of creation that excites her, rather than a fixed end result.

Ada Gonzalez and some of her past creations. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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The tool that Ada Gonzalez often uses in her work to create movement in the ink of her projects. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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In a world that often demands clear plans and structured outcomes, Gonzalez’s approach to art is a reminder that true creativity lies in the willingness to embrace the unknown. “My art is the way I speak,” Gonzalez said. “It’s how I communicate the strongest.”

Gonzalez offers this advice to other aspiring artists who wish to stay true to their roots while navigating the art world: “Go for it. Do what fills your heart with joy.” She recognizes the challenges that come with being an artist, especially in a world that often questions the financial viability of such a path. But to Gonzalez, creating art isn’t about money; it’s about passion, about giving form to the emotions and ideas that reside deep within. “People may not realize how much art they interact with every day, the movies they watch, the advertisements they see, the magazines they read. The world needs art to function. Without it, everything would be different,” Gonzalez said.

The smaller of the two printmaking machines that Ada Gonzalez uses for her prints. She enjoys using this older technology. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Ada Gonzalez is showing off the larger and newer print machine that the studio has available for us. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.
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Ada Gonzalez is known for using fabrics and clothing that is meaningful to her in her prints. Photo by Emilie Friske, taken on October 26th, 2024.

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Her words are a call to action for all who are hesitant, who wonder if their voice will be heard. Ada Gonzalez is a living testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to transcend boundaries. Her prints are a testament to resilience, not just in theme, but in process. Achieving the perfect transfer from fabric to paper requires an intricate dance of pressure, ink, and alignment, where even the slightest misstep can alter the outcome.

“I enjoy the challenges that come with printmaking,” Gonzalez said. “When I finally get to look at a finished piece, I feel proud of the hard work it took to get there.”

Yet, it is within these challenges that beauty emerges. Each piece Gonzalez creates reflects the tension between control and surrender, precision and imperfection. The prints she creates are not just finished artworks but records of effort, adaptation, and persistence—celebrating the beautiful uncertainty of self-expression and the power of embracing the unknown.

Photo Essay

Printmaking from the Heart