Abby Fox is a Colorado native who earned a BFA in printmaking and BA in Spanish at Colorado State University. After graduating, she taught art, ate papusas, and climbed volcanoes in Latin America for 18 months, before landing in Telluride. In her eight years here, she has taught art and Spanish to a variety of ages, and currently teaches at Telluride Mountain School. Abby is also studying at Western Colorado State University, and will graduate in 2018 with a Master of Arts in Education. She prioritizes printmaking and backpacking in her free time, and completed a solo thru-hike of the 500-mile Colorado trail last summer.
How did you get into printmaking?
I started my freshman year at CSU with every intention of studying photography. That is, until my professor spent the entire first semester lamenting the fact that photography was a dying art. So, what did I do? I found a more archaic art form, dependent on carving tools, acids, and massive printing presses. While printmaking is not as accessible as photography, it follows a similar process, which was what drew me to it. From sketching and planning, to carving or etching a plate, to mixing inks and printing, I love the rhythm and rituals of the process. When describing why I continue to practice printmaking, I frequently reference The Theory of Flow:
“We concentrate on the task itself without thinking about success or failure, reward or punishment, or other personal or social agendas. At least for a little while, we focus completely on meeting the challenges the task offers, refining our response strategies, developing our skills, and enjoying a sense of control and accomplishment.” Brophy (2004)
What is your greatest challenge as an artist?
Recycling and reusing. I do my best to print on recycled and unusual materials. I used to do a lot of etching, and printed my work on flea market handkerchiefs.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I was a child, I could only imagine myself doing two things when I grew up- making art and teaching. Through a combination of luck, stubbornness (some people call that dedication), and skill, I have managed to find myself doing exactly what I set out for.
What challenges come along with being an art teacher?
Aside from the expected answer of patience, the most surprising thing about teaching art is the high standards that my students hold me to. They expect a lot from me, and I am constantly driven to simultaneously expand and refine my own artistic work and skillsets.
What are you known for?
I am going to make a bold statement and say that I am known for my cooking. I love canning and preserving food, specifically tomato sauce, dilly beans, and chow-chow. Chow-chow is a sweet relish that makes the best darned deviled eggs you’ve ever had. If you see me at a barbecue, chances are that the deviled eggs aren’t too far away.
Best lesson you’ve learned?
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”