Above all things, the verso imprint functions as a sensitive instrument; part listening practice, interpreting and translating the ideas of artists into print, and part a gesture of ongoing inquiry, into forms of publishing, collaborative experimentation and technical knowledge in the realisation of print projects. These include durational print projects, research (the tacit kind) through the print medium, a residency programme, concentrated production, and the making of publications in partnership with bookbinders and friends in print publishing.
The studio values experimentation through traditional processes. The scope of techniques on offer include but are not limited to, intaglio (etching, drypoint and photopolymer gravure), relief work (lino and woodcut), collograph, chine collé, and once-off impressions in oil and watercolour monotype. As a conscious effort towards the importance of material properties, edition ~ verso together with PULP Paperworks collaborate in the making of handmade paper from their respective studio waste. This endeavour allows for artists to include a facilitated paper making practice alongside the making of prints in the studio.
edition ~ verso collaborations continue over the course of many years, offering artists the opportunity to build up a comprehensive body of printed work at their own pace, exploring the various aspects of the print medium in close/far relation to their existing practice.
These lead to deep-rooted working relationships, the fostering of a studio community, and are the foundation of edition ~ verso.
With an education in physical and social sciences, Shaifali Bramdev (b. 1994) works across media and considers materiality and conventions through experimentation and practice. With studio and project management skills, printmaking passions and artistic experience, Shaifali assists the edition ~ verso studio as an editioning printmaker.
Michaela Verity (b. 1986) is a graphic designer, trained photographer and illustrator. Friend of animals, lover of trees. Michaela plays a fundamental role in assisting in studio operations; from design and product development, papermaking and technical support to the role of clean hands.
Sara-Aimee Verity (b. 1981) founder of edition ~ verso is a master printer, apprenticed to Zhané Warren. Her practice is working with artists, attempting to translate their ideas and thoughts onto paper with the companionship of the printing press. Having worked in print for over twenty years, she has editioned for a long list of South African and international artists (see below ☟). After working at Warren Editions (Cape Town), she went on to work at Fundacion Acè (Buenos Aires), headed up the professional workshop at the Artist’s Proof Studio (Joburg) and has worked as a sessional print lecturer at the Univeristy of the Witwatersrand since 2015.
As a publisher, she always wants to do more, slowly.
(Some of these artists include; William Kentridge, Kagiso Pat Mautloa, Georgina Gratrix, Handspring Puppet Company, Colbert Mashile, Doris Bloom, Hentie Van Der Merwe, Mongezi Ncaphayi, Clive Van Den Berg, Paul Emmanuel, Norman Catherine, Brett Murray, Sanell Aggenbach, Lebohang Motaung, Bianca Baldi and Bridget Baker, Michael Taylor, Ina Van Zyl, Sober and Lonely Institute, Ziyanda Majozi, Faith47, and Nomthunzi Mashalaba...)
edition ~ verso hosts an active internship programme that supports many of the studio’s activities.
Interns are trained in various capacities reflecting not only those within the scope of print and paper making but, extend to professional practice within the broader arts sector. For more information on the internship programme and/or for application enquiries, please follow this link.
Shaifali Bramdev, Sara-Aimee Verity & Michaela Verity