GLORIA ANN SHOWS
About Me
Est. 2024
Rooted in her Filipino-American heritage, Gloria’s practice explores themes of memory, place, and identity, drawing inspiration from the interplay of cultural landscapes and the emotional resonance of the natural world.
As the founder of Espiritu Press, Gloria crafts handmade prints, art books, and relief-based illustrations that embody the same themes of introspection and connection. Her process combines traditional methods—such as block printing, screenprinting, and intaglio—with a unique sensitivity to material, including archival rice and mulberry papers. She is known for her distinctive use of mixed blues, each shade a one-of-a-kind blend that captures the impermanence of memory and experience.
Through Espiritu Press, she offers works destined to be held, shared, and cherished, bringing the tactile intimacy of printmaking to a broader audience. She lives and works in Washington, DC.
-
What inspired you to start Espiritu Press?Espiritu Press grew out of my desire to create work that feels accessible and shareable while still reflecting my personal connection to memory, place, and identity. My fine art practice is rooted in collage and often explores layered concepts of cultural memory and transformation. While deeply fulfilling, it’s an inward, experimental process that leads to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. In contrast, Espiritu Press allows me to channel those same themes through the more structured and illustrative medium of relief printing. This practice offers a way to create pieces that are both tactile and replicable, and still grounded in the traditional techniques I value. It’s a chance to craft prints and art books that tell visual stories, blending artistry and narrative in a form designed to be held, shared, and experienced by others. By balancing these two practices, I’m able to explore different facets of my creativity—one that's deeply introspective and personal, and the other more outward-facing and narrative-based. Together, they form a complete expression of who I am as an artist.
-
What materials do you use?I rely on a variety of printmaking techniques to create my work, including block printing with linoleum, wood, or sentra board, screenprinting, and intaglio using copper or sentra board. Each piece is printed by hand or on a printing press, carefully transferring the image from block to its final surface. My block prints are printed with oil-based ink, while my screenprints are made with water-based ink. I work with archival-quality paper, often made from rice or mulberry pulp, chosen for its delicate and semi-transparent qualities. You can see some of my process on my instagram @espiritupress.
-
Do you accept commissions or custom projects?I accept commissions on a case-by-case basis, limited to off-peak months. I like to begin with a conversation to understand your vision and how it aligns with my practice. Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, timelines and pricing can vary.
-
Do you teach workshops?Yes, I teach printmaking workshops at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Check their upcoming opportunities to sign up for a workshop or make-and-take! I also offer individual instruction through Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Check out the following links for more information Workshop Schedule: https://pyramidatlanticartcenter.org/education/workshops/ Printmaking Lessons: https://pyramidatlanticartcenter.org/education/individual-instruction/
-
What is your return policy?If for any reason you need to return your item, I do accept returns. However, please note that buyers are responsible for the return shipping costs. Additionally, the item must be returned in its original condition; otherwise, the buyer will be responsible for any loss in value. Once you initiate a return, you have 30 days to ship the item back to me. If you change your mind about an order that hasn't been shipped yet, you can request a cancellation within 24 hours of purchase. This ensures I process the cancellation swiftly and efficiently. For any further questions regarding my policies, feel free to contact me directly.