N.Y.C - Monotype
N.Y.C was the first print I ever attempted. With that in mind, I am pleased with how it turned out. I was surprised to find that it was much more difficult to render texture correctly, as well as to get a clean print. Monotypes are especially difficult in that only one print (+ ghost print) is possible because ink is rolled directly onto the plate and then removed to create a scene or piece of art. I enjoyed using various tools to create clear portions of the sky, clouds, and especially the angular, high-rise buildings with lit windows. The photograph reference was set at night and I think I effectively captured the mood and setting. I would like to give this print another go at some point in the future.
Cracks or Roots? -
“Cracks or Roots” is significant to me in that it represents a special song that spoke to me during a difficult season. I am Mountain by Gungor provided contemplation and empowerment while fighting breast cancer in 2019. The hardship and pain of the experience, and the major disruption in my life, became significant cracks in my story and sense of stability. The unexpected grief led to a journey of self-discovery and betterment, and those cracks eventually became deep roots that have provided overall wellness, awareness, and greater stability than before. I am forever grateful.
The off-centered composition as well as color complements lend to a successful composition. The subtle but various textures make the piece more interesting and less flat.
Arm of the Mother - Collagraph
“The Arm” was done with a partner and we decided on a space theme after sketching out our thumbnails. This theme was difficult to execute because the medium seems to lend itself better to angles and shapes. The chaos of the galaxy was especially difficult to render but we found some success and enjoyed playing with textures. The placement of the moon as well as a few layers of foreground/landscape contribute to a successful - if not slightly flat - composition. I enjoyed working with my partner and this project was fun to complete.
Where the Dogies Retire - Drypoint
I grew up listening to James Taylor and particularly enjoyed the song “Sweet Baby James.” Because of this song, I was always enamored by the western desert and the young cowboys who used to live on the range. This song and feeling was the inspiration behind the piece, and though I think it turned out more light and illustrative, it has a definite desert feel due to the landscape, and a fun character at it’s center. Each etching was much more visible than I assumed it would be and had I known this ahead of time, I would’ve been more precise with each line. I think the simplicity of line on the clouds work well for the shadows and form. The similar value and direction of strokes on the man’s shirt and the landscape behind make it disappear and clump together in one large, dark shape. I am otherwise happy with the result and design, and I’d like to try this very print again with the knowledge gained.
Where the Dogies Retire - Rework (Drypoint + Colored Pencil)
I am pleased with how this drypoint rework turned out. I chose to work on this print due to the fact that I fell in love with the initial design and thumbnails, but was unable to complete the print to my liking. The colored pencil did blend somewhat with the ink from the actual print, and this led to some smudging and muddied colors. I was hoping to add more color to the darker areas as well, but the dark ink simply spread and wouldn’t allow the pencil to add color. With that said, I am happy with the primary colors and I am pleased with how the lighter clouds pop in front of the blue color, as this was not the case with the black-and-white print. Finally, I am pleased with how the addition of dark marker outlines lend to a more illustrated and polished look.
Grandmother - Drypoint
I so enjoyed the first drypoint that I wanted to attempt another. The inspiration behind the tree came from a deep meditation experience in which I felt as though I was being held by a grandmother tree. I’m hoping to explore this idea further in future prints. Initially the tree was blending with the background, but I was able to color it in with a black marker to more clearly isolate the subject.
“After” 2/4 - Polymer
This print was completed by first creating a collage in Photoshop with various sketches and photographs. The collage was printed on a clear sheet and plate was created and inked. The piece illustrates a personal experience that was deeply meaningful to me and I think it both successfully captures that experience as well as offering the viewer an interesting image to explore. The high contrast and overlapping layout contribute to a strong composition. The off-center woman, framed by the television, provides good balance as well as a clear subject. She stands strong and confident in her newfound awareness and is better able to break the chains of her previous reality.
“After” 4/4 - Polymer
The second polymer print was done in purple to represent the crown chakra, signifying greater awareness, connection and flow. I think the purple works very well with the values and it makes for an even more interesting image. I especially like the hat and television area, where the shimmering stars can be more easily seen.
“After” 3/4 - Polymer
This multi-color print quickly became my favorite. I used red and blue to create that old-school television feel, and made sure to wipe both colors into that area of the plate with a card. I think it worked very well and adds to the print without detracting from the main subject. I would like to explore this type of printing further.
Atalanta - Linocut Relief
Atalanta was a woman from Greek mythology, suckled by a mama bear when abandoned by her father. It was said that her powerful father, disappointed to discover that he had a daughter instead of a son, left her on a mountaintop as an infant. Fortunately, Atalanta was taken care of by the bear until she was saved by hunters and raised as a strong, resourceful huntress and athlete.
This project was my favorite to complete, not only because of the theme, but because of the process and final piece. I have always been drawn to black-and-white relief prints because of the process being visible in the final print. I love the chatter and the humanness of the strokes left behind. The stark contrast draws me in and presents a certain mood. I was very pleased with how my print turned out, after a long process that included thumbnails and several digital drafts on the iPad. The carving was difficult in small, detailed areas but I think I successfully conveyed the story and Atalanta’s strength.
Reflection
Printmaking 1070 provided ample opportunity for growth and artistic development. I feel that I will move forward with a greater understanding of design as well as specific printmaking knowledge and skills. On top of learning new things, it was just plain fun. The first assignment made me feel like a kid again, spreading ink and using various, random tools to scrape out an image. My classmates were fun and entertaining, with insightful and interesting ideas, and I thoroughly enjoyed class critiques.
Prior to this class, I knew very little about printmaking. I was unaware that there were so many methods, as I simply pictured relief prints. I was excited to learn how to design and print my own in a similar style. To be honest, I was disappointed that we would spend time on other methods but that quickly changed. The collagraph print was most surprising to me. It felt more like crafting and though it was my least favorite, I was very impressed and inspired by the professional collagraph prints I found online. The method was also valuable in terms of design and composition. It required a plan and an understanding of where to place shapes, weight and values in the given space.
Moving forward, I will approach both printmaking and other art forms differently. Printmaking so clearly relies on sturdy design elements, problem solving, and a workable composition. I found that it was very important to have your design “read” from far away. To accomplish this without sacrificing detail, I discovered that contrast and correct values were key. I plan to simplify future subjects and first break them down by shape and value. It was both fun and meditative to PLAY with the materials, and the anticipation of pulling back the blankets to reveal a print is enough to keep any artist engaged in growth and the process.
Signature Assignment - Propaganda Analysis
