Marit Bockelie - Bremerton Letterpress Co.
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The current year of this posting is 2019 and the main inspiring tool for creating work for artist, teacher, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Marit broccoli is a machine invented in 1439: a letterpress. While the invention of electronic printers has made the printing press obsolete Martit made it the cornerstone for her art work and business. The quality of a printing press has never gone obsolete. The unique press to the paper that gives it a tactile nature is something no other electronic machine can replicate. She uses this old machine for her greeting cards and prints that she sells in her shop.
While the tools she uses are unique in the modern world What is really unique about Marit is passion for give back to her local art community. Something that has always been important to her. It was always super important for Martit and the Bremerton Letterpress to have a local store front. To be a part of Bremerton’s art community is something engrained in the spirit of the Bremerton Letterpress.
As an artist herself she also spends a lot of time helping and supporting other artists.
She’s an artist helping other artists to learn the craft. To advance their art. To add the to number of skilled and talented artists in our community. Aside from making and selling selling prints she hosts classes. Teaching book binding, letterpress, and other forms of printing.
I believe what Marit is doing with her skills and talents is crucial to making sure that our communities continue to have a strong arts appearance. Encouraging people to continue to be creative, use their minds, and learn new skills, Marit and the Bremerton Letterpress are a true example of a selfless artists.
This shop on main street run by Marit b is the home to an artist creating for her community. Creating art to the locals to buy. Creating artists to go out into the world and create more art. Creating a space that is welcoming to learn something new.
In 2017 had the idea of being all these together and offering a free two day arts festival called Wayzgoose. An art festival were they use a large steam roller to create large scale prints from hand-carved linoleum blocks. A festival held in numerous locations around the world starting back in 1456. She found a group of passionate like minded people interested helping make this idea a reality. To bring this art festival to Bremerton Washington.
Together they volunteer to help at Waysgooze in Tacoma Washington at King Street Books. Again helping other artists with their craft, learning about the event, so that the following year she could bring a smilier artist festival to Bremerton. Back to their community.
Ran as a non-profit Wayzgoose Kitsap is more community then making money. In addition you don’t even need to be a professional artist to participate. Every artist involved is picked through a random lottery system. All of the tools and supplies needed are given to each artists for free. The only thing the artist need to bring is their creativity and hard work.
Fast forward to 2019 and Marit and her team have accomplished two successful years of hosting this art festival in Bremerton. And looking forward to a third year!
Marit’s creative and drive to make her community better is what makes the Bremerton Letterpress so wonderful. We are lucky to have such a passionate and caring person in our community.
Check out her shop here
Learn more about Wayzgoose Kitsap and to learn about next years event.
