Erin Fong Translates Friendship Into Bold Prints With Deeper Meaning

As we get older, how we create novel and truly meaningful relationships seems to be a bit of a mystery. We have our standard stomping grounds and watering holes, but beyond the workplace, fitness class, and favorite bar, how do we find real friends and then keep them? It only makes sense to be able to connect with people in physical locations where there’s a guarantee of shared interests, but perhaps it’s also a state of mind. Maybe all it takes is being open to having a conversation that could lead beyond general small talk; to have space within ourselves to be vulnerable with someone new.

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For printmaker, Erin Fong, she felt as if she knew many people, but wasn’t close with the majority of them. This led her to developing the Friendship Project, an exploration how people define, create, and maintain relationships. As an introvert, it, too, was a personal endeavor to push her outside of her own comfort zone to talk to people, as well as reconnect with the art of printmaking for herself. What began as a single blog post became a series of interviews with friends, acquaintances, and strangers translated into beautiful block printed posters with incredibly insightful messages. Responses came from all walks of life, and she received submissions from near and far as well. And of course, when she could, she took advantage of being able to sit down to chat with participants in person. Here, she gets cozy with three unique creatives to discuss their ideas on friendship.

Alexandra Bigley, co-founder of Bright Side Collective, talks diversity, inclusion, and community.

Ceramicist Stephanie Intelisano delves into multiple friend groups from the different areas of her life from working in a corporate setting to an art studio, being consistently open, and staying in contact regardless of proximity.

Musician Cory Tauwoo talks about layers of vulnerability and consciousness, how being a people pleaser affects his interactions, and forming a real connection.