Internship Testimonial: IDEM Printshop
Written by Willow Hayward AMT 25′
As the Fall semester has come to a close, we have the joy of reflecting on the various student internships that took place over the past year. Willow Hayward, a senior in the AMT program, had the chance to participate in a part-time internship at IDEM Print Shop.
Situated in the heart of Montparnasse, IDEM was established in 1881 and is home to the historic lithographic presses of Fernand Mourlot, who collaborated with legendary artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Miró, Chagall, Braque, and Giacometti. Today, this print shop remains a vital hub for contemporary art, hosting renowned figures like Sophie Calle, William Kentridge, JR, and David Lynch.
This past spring, I had the privilege of working alongside IDEM’s amazing team. The experience allowed me to interact with artists in the space and deepen my understanding of the many techniques and possibilities within the atelier’s printmaking practice.
I discovered this opportunity through my Painting and Printmaking teacher, Mathilde Roussel, who had previously worked at the atelier and included a tour of the studio in our Painting and Printmaking curriculum. After reaching out, I had a brief meeting where they gave me a tour of the atelier and introduced me to the team. Over the next few months, I worked with them once a week, immersing myself in the atelier’s rich history and vibrant energy. I had the unique chance to meet artists from around the world as they created lithographs and linocuts in the atelier.
This experience not only introduced me to the broader printmaking community but also inspired me to incorporate printmaking into my own artistic practice. It’s become a passion that I continue to explore and refine.
Now, as I approach my final semester of senior year, I’m excited to participate in screen printing workshops organized by the AMT program at the Fondation Fiminco in Romainville, in collaboration with artist and workshop supervisor, Baptiste Caccia, and Parsons Paris faculty member Mathilde Roussel. After such an insightful internship at IDEM, I look forward to continuing my journey with printmaking at Parsons and beyond.