Göta Svensson rookie

How long have you been printing?

I started learning fine arts printing in art school in 1982.

Describe your first encounter with letterpress

In 1985 I had a small studio, I worked with linocuts and small books. Wanted to be able to print words, like titles, went to the nearest printshop and asked for some worn out type but they were getting rid of the whole composing room equipment so... 3 cabinets with lead and 2 with woodtype moved into my studio. Some friends gave me a Liberty platen that I spent a few months restoring.

Where did you learn?

One night when my friends and I were hauling the Liberty parts down thru my studio window a man came by down the street. He stopped and asked what we were doing. I told him I was moving a platen press into my studio. He was a retired printer/composer and he started to hang out with me in my studio that now was a printshop. I knew nothing and he helped me setting it up, taught me handsetting and all I needed to get going. After half a year or so he disappeared, I dont know what happened.

Who was your most influential teacher?

His name was Stig. That means path in swedish.

What super power would you like to have?

The power of sorting type just by making a magic gesture with my finger.

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

Hmmm.. On an everyday basis I prefer to work alone. But now and then I need to work with others to share and get inspiration.

What do you most value in your friends?

Humor, kindness and fairness.

When do your best ideas occur to you?

When I am out in the woods with my dog.

If you were to die and come back as a typeface, which would it be?

Augenheil... I wish but would probably become Comic Sans :oD

What tool do you use more often than any other?

Hmmm.. either my lino cutting tools or the lockup key.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

Murakami & Sandemose

If you could study with any printer throughout history, who would it be?

I dont know really... to many to choose between.

If you have your own shop, what equipment do you own?

One Liberty Platen, one Golding Jobber #8, one FAG correction press, one Kelsey tabletop platen. About 250 cases of type. One etching press. Paper cutter, bookbinding equipment, paper drill, god, this place is crowded!

If you could change one thing about your shop, what would it be?

I am working on expanding my space so I can get space for a Windmill.

When and where are you the happiest?

In the summertime when it is raining and I am printing with open doors.

What is your greatest fear/worry?

Fire.

What do you think is useful about what you make?

All of it.

What’s your day job?

Letterpress printing.

Do you use any other techniques or media besides letterpress?

I do copper printing sometimes, and paint sometimes, I like photography and I write poems.