Printmaking Process

The print process is achieved with the use of an etching press. The plates are some times made from plexi glass or treated mat board. Each plate is inked with brayers using oil-based inks. Various recycled materials are cut into shapes that correspond to a drawing. After inking each individual textured piece of paper, a dampened piece of printing paper is placed over the inked plate and run through an etching press. Any paper that has a slightly raised surface will create an interesting line. The action of the etching press resembles that of the old-fashioned clothes wringer, It has two pressure screws that can be turned to increase or decrease the pressure for optimum results. The paint is layered. My process is spontaneous and physical. I try to unearth each image without getting mired down in conscious details. I don’t want the results to be predictable. Vocabulary will reappear and repeat over time.