We love Jeremy Rendina‘s typewriter drawings! Jeremy uses a vintage IBM Selectric to create these mesmerizing abstract patterns, which take on a physical quality similar to traditional weavings. We connected with this Los Angeles-based maker to talk about his Margins Studio Etsy shop, and his range of work…
What’s the origin story of Margins Studio?
Margins is a way to make my printmaking work more widely available. It began as Rendij Studio in 2009, the first year I printed a Moon Phase calendar.
Where do you like to turn to for inspiration?
I’ve always been fortunate to be surrounded by talented friends. It happens that many of them are collectors. I’m fascinated by the things they turn up: self-published records on LP, rare poetry, quilts based on video games, aboriginal digging sticks, etc. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not a very good collector myself — I never can seem to find the most mint copy or complete the whole run — I just want to use all these wonderful things around me as a catalyst.
As much as I like weird old books and stuff, nothing is quite like being in a forest after it rains or seeing an endless array of clouds.
What was it about typewriters that appealed to you as a medium?
There was a very old Underwood typewriter in the house growing up and I would type out little stories and make book covers for them. When I got a discarded IBM Selectric I was amazed to find out that you can adjust how hard the type hits the paper. This made it possible to create relief or letterpress-like prints. I decided to use keystroke repetition much in the same way as textile patterns are created.
How do you think your location in Los Angeles affects your art?
Well, the sun is a powerful thing.
Jeremy’s typewriter print is featured on page 57 of our January catalog, and on westelm.com. You can see more of his work on his website.
See more of our featured Etsy artists here!
Images: Jeremy Rendina, west elm