This week was filled with experiments using color! The inks used in for this series of prints are the Charbonnel Aqua Wash Ink. The pigment is vibrant and when mixed with water some interesting effects took place. Below are images of the process and the resulting monotypes.
I experimented with several types of papers during this process to see what could happen. I must admit the spontaneous patterns and reaction that come from using my own handmade paper is the most exciting. My early training as an artist has engrained a level of precision that I am unable to remove from my process. I consistently look for materials that allow me to subvert my style, using paper with imperfections becomes a welcome variable.
Each paper used in this process produced a very different surface texture. Here’s a list of what was used, 300 series Strathmore Bristol Paper, 400 series Mixed Media Paper, 400 series Drawing Paper, a leftover piece of mystery watercolor paper, and handmade paper using abaca and cotton fibers. Most of the papers were soaked prior to printing. The Bristol Paper had a fine tooth and took up ink evenly when it was dry when it was wet the ink was unpredictable, and removing the plate left a pattern marking the process.
I look forward to using water to manipulate the inks pushing them to interact with the properties of various substrates.
Pre soaking papers.
Cosmic Reflections – 400 series mixed media paper
Sudori – Handmade cotton and abaca paper
Sudori, Ghost print – Watercolor paper
The Floor is Lava – Dry, 300 series Bristol paper
Traces – Wet, Dry 300 series Bristol paper
Burning at Both Ends – 400 Series drawing paper