Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know – Episode 029: Corita Kent and Britt Rohrer: Peace & Love & Printmaking

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host: Amber Asay
Guest: Britt Rohrer, Founder of Swell Press

Introduction

In the 29th episode of "Women Designers You Should Know," host Amber Asay delves into the vibrant life and legacy of Corita Kent, a nun who became a pop art pioneer. Joining her is Britt Rohrer, the creative force behind Swell Press, whose expertise in letterpress and printmaking mirrors Corita Kent’s spirit of intentional storytelling and activism through art.

Host and Guest Background

Amber Asay introduces the episode by highlighting Corita Kent's transformation from a nun to a bold artist whose text-driven works became synonymous with activism, love, and justice during tumultuous times. Britt Rohrer shares her journey from the suburbs of Atlanta to Los Angeles, where she initially pursued a career in film production before discovering her passion for letterpress printing.

Notable Quote:
Britt Rohrer (02:47): “I’m a little nutty, I always say. I’m like drowning in my own ambition and I should probably chill out a little bit.”

Britt Rohrer's Creative Journey

Britt discusses her early life, education, and the accidental yet serendipitous transition from film production to printmaking. Encouraged by a friend to take a letterpress class, Britt found her true calling in the tactile process of creating tangible art pieces.

Notable Quote:
Brit Rohrer's Epiphany (07:00): “The first time I rolled something through the press, it was like the heavens parted and the angels sang. And it was like that moment where I was like, oh, my God, this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Britt elaborates on her business, Swell Press, and the challenges and rewards of working with different types of presses. She shares anecdotes about her favorite projects, including creating intricate wedding invitations and unique installations like a sea urchin wall piece.

Notable Quote:
Britt Rohrer (11:06): “We did this hidden puzzle piece and jig underneath it all so it could all come apart. That was probably my happiest day of the year.”

Transition to Corita Kent

Amber shifts the conversation to Corita Kent, inspired by Britt’s enthusiasm for the artist. they explore why Britt is drawn to Corita Kent’s work, emphasizing Corita’s unique blend of faith, art, and activism.

Notable Quote:
Brit Rohrer (15:17): “She was this tiny 100-pound woman in a nun’s habit making these progressive, brightly colored, sometimes radical art prints calling for civil rights and peace and love.”

Corita Kent’s Life and Artistic Evolution

The discussion delves into Corita Kent’s early life in Iowa, her education, and her pivotal moment of discovering screen printing. This medium allowed her to merge mass communication with accessible art, aligning perfectly with her mission to make art a vehicle for social change.

Notable Quote:
Amber Asay (17:55): “She chose screen printing because it was such an accessible medium. It was affordable, it was aligned with mass communication.”

Corita’s tenure as the chair of the art department at Immaculate Heart College is explored, highlighting her avant-garde teaching methods that attracted luminaries like Alfred Hitchcock and Charles Eames. Her innovative approach encouraged students to find inspiration in everyday environments, transforming mundane objects into profound artistic expressions.

Notable Quote:
Amber Asay (21:36): “She was challenging her students to see the world differently and sometimes asking them to create 200 drawings in one session.”

Corita Kent’s Activism and Artistic Style

Corita Kent’s activism during the 1960s, especially her stance on civil rights, poverty, and the Vietnam War, is a focal point. Her art became a powerful tool for protest, most notably her iconic "Stop the Bombing" poster.

Notable Quote:
Brit Rohrer (27:05): “If there’s one day where I don’t make a mistake, like, that’ll be a miracle. Because I think that’s a process of creating, is making mistakes and messing up.”

The conversation also touches on Corita’s unique style, which merges sacred and secular elements. Her use of bold typography layered over recognizable corporate logos creates a dialogue between spiritual messages and everyday consumerism.

Notable Quote:
Brit Rohrer (33:12): “Her script was messy but beautiful, and you have to zoom in to really read the powerful messages interwoven into the bold graphics.”

Corita Kent’s Legacy

Amber and Britt discuss Corita Kent’s lasting impact, including her monumental 150-foot mural in Boston and the beloved USPS love stamps inspired by her work. They emphasize her commitment to making art accessible and her influence on both the art and design worlds.

Notable Quote:
Amber Asay (37:35): “Her work is so inspiring, and the fact that she used her art to challenge the status quo and remind us of the power in ordinary moments is so incredible.”

Britt expresses her admiration for Corita’s ability to blend playfulness with rigorous discipline, coining the term “plork” to describe the harmonious balance of play and work in creative processes.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Britt and Amber reflect on Corita Kent’s philosophy that “the world is full of wonder if we slow down to see it,” underscoring the universal relevance of her message. Britt shares her dedication to spreading awareness of Corita Kent’s work and legacy, aiming to elevate her alongside other celebrated pop artists.

Notable Quote:
Amber Asay (42:26): “To find some kind of meaning for it and to find ways to do good for those things is really her approach to life.”

Amber encourages listeners to explore Britt Rohrer's Swell Press and supports the podcast by leaving reviews or donations, ensuring continued celebration of influential women in design.

Key Takeaways

• Corita Kent's Transformation: From nun to pop art icon, Corita leveraged screen printing to blend spirituality with social activism.

• Innovative Teaching: Her avant-garde methods empowered students to find inspiration in everyday life, fostering a generation of thoughtful designers and artists.

• Art as Activism: Corita’s bold, text-driven designs were not only visually striking but also carried powerful messages for peace, love, and justice.

• Legacy of Accessibility: Committed to making art accessible, Corita refused to commercialize her work, focusing instead on the dissemination of messages over profit.

• Inspiration for Modern Creatives: Britt Rohrer's journey from film to letterpress mirrors Corita’s dedication to finding one's true calling through creative exploration and resilience.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling tribute to Corita Kent’s enduring legacy in art and activism, encouraging listeners to rethink the role of design in societal change. Britt Rohrer's insights provide a contemporary parallel to Corita's passion, illustrating the timeless nature of using art to inspire and transform.

For more inspiring stories of women designers shaping our world, subscribe to "Women Designers You Should Know" and join Amber Asay in celebrating the creative forces that redefine history.