Eastside Editions began in Sonoma, California in 2000 as a papermaking studio inviting local artists to create monoprints on handmade paper. Over the years it evolved into a fine art print studio and publisher specializing in etchings printed on both handmade and mouldmade paper and featuring several well known Bay Area artists as well as recognized artists from Chicago and Rome. It closed in 2008 after having moved to San Francisco.
Eastside Editions began in Sonoma, California and later moved to the SOMA district of San Francisco, in December 2006. Included in the Studio were a Charles Brand Press with a press bed measuring 30” by 50”, as well as a rosin box that can accommodate plates up to 18” x 24”. Among the artists were invited to print at Eastside Editions were Chester Arnold, Mario Teleri Biason, William Conger, David Gilhooly, Francis McCormack, and Kara Maria. You can see the full list of artists and their projects in the studio in our Print Archive.
Simon Blattner is the owner and publisher of Eastside Editions, which he started after his retirement as chairman and CEO of Rittenhouse Paper. Before opening the studio he acquired several years experience in the making of handmade paper, from the California College of the Arts (formerly California College of Arts & Crafts), and then furthered his learning of both western and Japanese papermaking techniques, at Magnolia Editions, in Oakland, California.
Eastside Editions was derailed by the recession of 2008 through 2011. After having discontinued making paper and giving one of it's presses to the Sonoma Community Center, they moved their operations into San Francisco. Simon eventually determined it was time to close down the press and studio in San Francisco and the remaining intaglio press was given to their friends at the studios of Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, California.
Simon's current activities reflect his ongoing interest and enthusiasm for the creative possibilities of the printmaking process and works of art on paper. He still holds a large archive of prints and artists' books created at the studio which are available for sale. He has focused his artistic talents into curating exhibitions and encouraging the participation and support of all arts. He is an active supporter of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Valley of the Moon Music Festival, California College of the Arts Architecture Division Public Programs and Publications series, and is a member of the Book Club of California, Hand Papermaking, and San Francisco Center for the Book.