Many times, artists will write about their creative practices. How they conceptualize, what they see, how they work…
I’d like to talk a little bit about the technical processes that support my creative endeavors. Monoprinting is not very commonly seen. As opposed to printmaking, monoprinting only allows for the creation of one unique image. Every piece is individually curated, through the process of layering, adding, and subtracting ink. Each piece created has it’s own journey. While you may see multiple prints of mine within the same series, they each have been created individually - just for you!
“I stand at the printing press armed with my tools, plates, paper, and inks. Like bees returning to the hive, images funnel into my well, ready to be transformed into tactile expression. Glistening globs of chemistry and pigment color the palette and tempt the bristles and the sticky smack of the brayer. The smell of the oils blending and the moment the brush tip touches the surface is enticing. Print by print, the image starts to breathe and to whisper “Here I am.” My heart feels its rhythm - like the chrysalis, the essence shifts into shape. Pattern develops; color and values take a stand. Time flies by and stands still. The creative process is alive.”
Monoprinting consists of many layers of additions and resistants. An addition will print color in a specific area, and a resist will block ink from a space on the paper. Each layer is hand placed before running through the press.
Material can vary. Here you see me using lupin leaves, but I take inspiration from all things around me! Flowers, leaves, fossils, pieces of fabric, the list can go on and on. These materials leave such an interesting impression, all so unique.
The press is where the magic happens! Pieces of paper and ink get pressssssedd together, filling the page with color (where it’s wanted), and leaving tracings of the material. This is the fun part, sending something through the press and waiting to see what will come out!
With each layer run through the press comes another “layer” of reflection. What does this piece need now? Where is the color lacking? Where is there too much? What is coming through? How can I support the story?
With this process, there is no direct “ending”, no final completion. When the piece feels complete, it is. Many times I will come back to existing pieces and re-work them - maybe I’ll add a layer, maybe I’ll rip off the parts I like and incorporate them into something new, maybe I’ll just print over the whole piece.
The process is alive and well! Thanks for checking in :)