PDX Profile: Salmon Street Studio
Submitted by crafty-admin on February 26, 2008 - 10:00am.
DIY Alert Blog | PDX Profiles
This week, we're visiting with Gretchen Wooff, who owns and operates a screen-printing company called Salmon Street Studio with her husband Michael. I love the way they use graphics, and I gotta say -- these "VOTE" briefs are one of my favorite things ever.
You can see more a their website and Etsy shop.
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How did the two of you get involved in screen printing?
Michael made a Motorhead shirt in Grade 7 and always wanted to get back to it and I have outgrown using Jiffy Markers or cardboard stencils and spray paint to "beautify" my own clothing!
What kinds of things inspire the designs you print on your apparel?
We tend to print things that we think are cute, funny or a little bit odd. We always hope someone else will see it the same way and appreciate it when they do!
I think those screen-printed men's briefs are awesome! How did that idea come about?
One day Michael was printing some shirts with the Porcupine design, and saw a pile of clean laundry nearby, and decided to print one on the bum of his own boxers -- viola!
What has been the biggest surprise of running Salmon Street Studio?
The fab people we have met! Both in person through Craft Shows and the PDX Etsy Street Team and online. Many have become friends and a large part of our world.
What's your take on the difference between Art and Craft?
That is a tough one as they are not mutually exclusive, yet they are not the same either.
It is a little like the Chicken or the Egg conundrum but I think we both see Art as more visual/intellectual and Craft as more functional. We have a new shirt design that reflects this. Hint: part of it says: Patron of the Crafts!
What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
Our basement studio, the bridges, the old version of Bridgeport Brew Pub and just the general vibe and presence of the old buildings and urban decay/renewal all around.
