My process of printmaking is fluid and reflective of what the image calls for in its conception. I predominately use Akua Kolor and intaglio inks which are blends of honey, gum arabic, and soy. I work in multiple layers often utilizing many forms of printmaking to provide the observer with rich and vivid texture. Along with printmaking, I have begun to collage prints onto canvas with acrylic gel mediums for a mixed media result. Below are some descriptions of the various methods that I use in my work.
Monotype
A monotype is the "painterly" form of printmaking. An image is painted onto a plate and run through a press with paper adhering an image to the paper in reverse. Monotype works are noted by the 1/1 symbol advising the viewer that it is one image out of one print. This is my main source of creative outlet as I love the spontaneous flow of the work. Stencils, botanicals, and various methods of mark making allows me to play and explore. Monotype forces me to be flexible and allow the work to emerge in process. I often layer the print by using one color at a time pulling it through the press anywhere from one to ten times. A print is considered a monoprint when there is a fixed image consistent among several prints.
Relief Work
An image is traced or drawn onto a plate made of linoleum or wood. The image is carved in reverse and then inked with a brayer and printed onto paper by hand burnishing or sending it through a press. Each image in a one of a kind print. Prints are either done in open, limited, or varied editions. I often vary my prints with different types of paper and ink. I love to work outside of the traditional box; however I have been known to do replica editions as well.
The process of relief printing can include the use of multiple colors in the print. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. Multiple plates can be carved and registered to affix several colors to the final piece. A reduction print includes a printing after each stage of carving and working the plate to provide a printing area with several different colors. Each stage of printing requires the print to be registered in order to line up the image correctly. These are often called "suicide" prints as the image is permanently altered on the linoleum and cannot be returned to its original state. This is my favorite type of color relief print as I really enjoy the way it forces me to live a little on the edge.
Collograph
A collograph is a print using a collaged plate which can be made from various materials. It gives printmaking a tactile component as the plate is a 3-D piece in and of itself. Found objects can be glued to a plate in addition to creating various textures from gels, mediums, and carborundum. The plate is inked intaglio style by rubbing ink on the plate and wiping it away to the desired consistency. A plate can be inked with several colors providing a rich texture.
Dry point
A dry point is a plate, usually Plexiglas in my case that has been etched with an instrument. The marks create a burr on either side of the incision providing a place for ink to settle and transfer to the wet paper when sent through the press. I often use dry point in a monoprint style by using the same plate with multiple layers and various backgrounds.
