My prints are Collagraphs: A print from a plate made with glue, card, or other materials to form a raised surface. A collagraph may be printed in relief or intaglio.
I sketch my ideas and use this technique as a way to really engage with a slow practice which is meditative. I combine oil based inks with linseed reducing jelly in exact proportions to create the absolute colour I have in mind. This takes some time.
I mix these on glass and then with a heavy roller until I'm happy with the consistency. This takes some time.
A vintage etching press is then used making sure the pressure is correct. I hand rotate the huge roller on the press to slowly direct the artwork through. A bit like a mangle!
As the inks are hand mixed, slight variations will make each one unique.
'Collagraph' (sometimes 'collograph') is derived from the Greek 'colla', meaning glue, and 'graph,' meaning to draw. A collograph is essentially a collage of materials of various textures glued on to a printing plate, often a thin wood or cardboard.
I first studied printmaking at art college in Bristol and then as a printing method I incorporated into my BA hons degree. More recently I've taken this process up again at Arthouse in Wakefield and West Yorkshire Print workshop in Mirfield.
I print from a plate I've created like a collage using paper, ephemera, glue, card and other materials to form a raised textured surface. A collagraph may be printed in relief or intaglio depending upon the printing press used and the pressure applied.
I sketch my ideas and use this technique as a way to really engage with a slow practice which is meditative.I use a blade to cut away certain areas of the plate. I combine oil based inks with linseed reducing jelly in exact proportions to create the absolute colour I have in mind. This takes some time.
I mix these on glass and then with a heavy roller until I'm happy with the consistency. I apply the ink to the plate and then onto pre soaked paper I place the components onto the bed of the press and cover with a blanket.
A vintage etching Press is then operated making sure the pressure is correct. I hand rotate the huge roller on the press to slowly direct the artwork through. A bit like a mangle ! then i can reveal the result which I then work into with more colours if desired.
As the inks are hand mixed, slight variations will make each one unique. Collagraphs, due to the delicate nature of the plate made from card or thin wood, are often monoprints or short varied editions.
