Dan Benveniste

Printmaker

Master printer of contemporary works

Dan’s craft is about printing and publishing the works of contemporary artists
He specialises in large format printmaking, photogravure and intaglio printing techniques
Some of the techniques he uses have a long history, dating back 1500 years

With over 40 years’ experience in printing and publishing, Danish-born Dan Benveniste, began working as an etcher in Copenhagen before settling in Madrid and opening his workshop in 1993. “I specialise in large format printmaking, photogravure and intaglio printing techniques to print and publish the works of contemporary artists. That is my craft.” Artists come to Dan for his expertise in achieving specific effects that can only be made using ancient techniques, crafted by hand. For instance, for artist Jacobo Castellano, Dan used wood, his favourite material, to transfer Jacobo's sculpture to paper in the most direct way possible. Dan welcomed a young fellow to his workshop for six months as part of Homo Faber Fellowship, an initiative supporting the transmission of craft. “I intend that my business can continue without me in the future, and that is why it is good to have younger people learn the craft with me now."

Interview

How did you enter the intaglio printing world?: Actually I did not chose my craft, my craft chose me. My family had a friend, in Denmark, who is an etcher I met when I was four years old. When I was 15 he invited me to help him in his workshop. So I never studied engraving as such, but I trained with a teacher.
What is unique about the craft of printing and publishing contemporary works?: It is difficult, slow and expensive but I love the collaborations with the artists in the workshop. It is a very democratic and human exchange. They come to me because of my expertise in handmade techniques and my ability to advise on the printing technique that will make each work stand out.
Why did you chose to settle in Madrid?: It really happened by chance. I worked with my master for 10 years and then spent several years travelling. I went back to Denmark for a couple of years but finally chose Madrid as my place to grow.
What recommendation would you give to young printers and publishers?: Practising this craft for so long, I have a very strong bond with my work and it is something I feel like doing every day. It is important to have the will and the curiosity to stretch the old techniques and never stop!

Dan Benveniste is a master artisan: he began his career in 1993 and he started teaching in 1994