These pieces are part of a large group of monotypes completed between 1995 and 2000. They were started on an etching press and finished by applying pigment by brush. The first step was to take a copper plate and apply lithographic ink mixed with varying proportions of plate oil and turpentine. The ink was applied with brayers, brushes, cloth and other experimental materials. At times ink was also removed or diluted by using a brush or cloth soaked with turpentine. Next, objects such as feathers, washers, wire, string, mesh, etc were inked by hand and placed on the plate. The paper to be printed was then placed on the copper plate, covered by a felt blanket and run through the press. Some objects were left hidden beneath others to be revealed as successive prints were pulled from the plate. Some objects were moved to a different location on the plate before the next print was pulled leaving ghost images. When lucky, as many as four to six prints were successfully pulled from the same plate. All different but related, making for an interesting series. Anything is fair game in a monotype.
After the ink dried the composition was finished by traditional painting techniques......... a paint brush and pigment. About fifty percent of the process for these monotypes was done after the work on the etching press was complete. Most of the fine lines and symbols as well as a lot of the color was done with a brush. The ones dated 1997 and 1998 were completed while living in Barcelona. |
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