TOTAL Art Licensing
One Spring day I had the
inspiration to create.....
By Sara Henry
the process really exciting are the surprises that
happen using such an unusual material. Ink can
be applied directly to the surface using brushes
and brayers (rollers)( take a look at my olives
on yellow as an example), or you can work in a
negative manner and remove ink with any imag-
inable tool...combs, ends of brushes , knives etc.
etc. Either way, you simply place a dry sheet of
paper on top of the inked plate and rub your
hand over the back to ensure full contact. Voi
la...a monotype...don’t stop here though, keep
going.
Any type of material placed directly on the plate
is another excellent way of creating beautiful
detail. My friend Betty (a printmaker by trade)
did some fabulous things using ferns and plant
matter. She also utilized the “ghost print” which
is taking a second print after the initial print (im-
age is less pronounced and softer).
Overprinting proved to be another experiment
with spectacular results. Overprinting is layer-
ing, multiple techniques used in a single print. A
good representation of that would be my “Navy
Anchor”, and the “Grill It” designs. I also used
stencils to develop design elements as seen in
the mustard jar shape, pickles, anchor, and stars.
I contacted four of my artist colleagues and after ible unflavored gelatin, a piece of plexi-glass
You can use manufactured stencils or make
investigating various printmaking techniques we de- and some non-hardening modeling clay to make
your own, as I did to fit the theme.
cided upon gelatin mold plates. I transformed my a dam. You then mix more than the normal
More surprises can happen by cutting away ar-
kitchen, living and family room in to a bizarre studio. amount of gela-
Ropes draped between sculptures and staircases tin to water and
donned colorful clothes pinned creations. What a fun heat....pour in to
day we had.....even my FBI boyfriend AKA bartender, the mold and let
chef and purveyor of verbal amusement joined in sit for at least 2
the mélange of ink and paper. The day started early hours. It will be
and time flew by.... firm and resilient.
So, you ask what is a gelatin plate monotype? Remove the clay
Gelatin printmaking is a low tech, non toxic, edges.
printmaking form that uses little space (perfect Once the plate is
for my condo). Costs are minimal due to there made there are
being no need for a press. Clean-up is a breeze many approaches
with water-soluble ink. The best part is you are to take using the
more willing to take chances, especially when workable surface.
happy hour and art time collide! Many techniques
This fun and flexible process is very spontane- used in tradi-
ous. You never know what you are going to get tional monotypes
and the options are endless. are possible using
Here’s the process in brief.... the gelatin plate,
First, to create the gelatin plate you need ed- but what makes
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