Treasured tools, we all have our favorite tools right?
- Do you always choose that special brush that fits your hand perfectly?
- Or the one brayer that rolls just right?
- Or the jar of ink that is the perfect consistency?
I definitely have my favorite tools for gelatin printing. This picture shows 2 of them. Can you see the delicate grasses on the left? Not all grass and weeds are the same.
I look for grasses that are:
- thin but sturdy
- delicate and slightly dried, (fresh and green are weak)
- long enough for my paper
- variety of sizes
My second treasured tool is the metal film reel and other hand held metal pieces that I can use to stamp into the ink and remove ink or apply a thin layer of ink to the gelatin plate.
Today a team came to my studio to talk to me about the creative economy in Haverhill, MA. They are putting together a video for the next Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council. I got to show them the wonders of gelatin printmaking. They were impressed with what was possible with a bit of ink, a slab of gelatin and some delicate grasses.
What are your go to treasured tools?
Oh how funny! I just picked those same grasses yesterday and made some prints from them. Exactly the same grasses! Like minds…………
great time for these sturdy grasses. I look forward to seeing your prints
I love your grass look but haven’t had any luck on my efforts – thanks for the tips about the right kind to hunt for. I see some park foraging in my future!
Thanks Terrie – what inks and papers are you using? That could affect your outcome too. It is always an experiment for me.
how delicious, Linda!! I am reminded of what we used to DO in the darkroom days where we’d take leaves or such and lay them on photographic paper… so long ago, I am probably NOT remembering it correctly, but it was the same sort of miracle and a unique print…
I have saved a couple of droppings from trees here that I know are only wee bits of branches but in and of themselves so lovely. you are encouraging me to play with them.
thank you!!
You are remembering it correctly. Photograms. They are similar in appearance to some gelatin prints. Happy Printing