Masthay Studios

Launched in 2017, THE FURNACE was created out of a necessity to meet the challenges of producing larger and smaller-scale letterpress editions for various purposes. Projects may encompass fine art multicolor prints to high-resolution halftone photopolymer images. It includes greeting cards and stationary for individuals or businesses. All projects are overseen by Master Printer/Illustrator Kaitlin Lennon and Creative Director AJ Masthay. Interested? Visit their website for detailed information on their services and browse the most recent offerings of letterpress (TheFurnacePrints.com). Most of AJ Masthay’s prints are linoleum blocks prints. Occasionally these prints are referred to as “Suicide Prints” or Reduction Prints. In relief printing, a reduction print is a multiple color print where the different colors are printed on separate layers from the same print block. The lightest shade of the design is printed first. The “reduction” is done by carving out the area for the next color, after the design has been printed on the first color. Reduction printing is less efficient than using multiple blocks, as the printing matrix is destroyed after the first color, “It is not a possibility to reverse mistakes. It is impossible to undo mistakes.” Over the years, we have made numerous videos explaining the painstaking process we put into every edition. To view them, please visit our Youtube channel and subscribe for more details about our process.

Reviewers unanimously praise AJ Masthay's studio and his team for being a hospitable group that welcomes visitors. Many of these rating people highlighted the studio's design and appearance as enjoyable and welcoming. More so, some clients list an impressive experience, with one highlighting the team's positive attitude. Several reviewers admire the high standard of open studio and the work AJ does for his clients. They also enjoy window shopping, adding that they will undoubtedly buy it in the future. Most even spoke about AJ, describing him as sociable and appreciative of guests. He is also rated to have made impressive sketches and other projects. A few people referred to remote viewing. Some people also keep in touch with the artist through social media for situations like this. A person emphasized how the studio was nearby, which surprised him. These reviews demonstrate that customers are in for a real treat at AJ Masthay's art studio.