As you may have noticed from yesterday’s post, I am creating quite a pile of monoprints on fabric. That is the way I approach my printmaking. I love to get lost in the process and make lots of prints.
It is great to get into the flow of printing and let one mark or impression inform the next. This exploratory approach does allow for lots of learning and “mistakes.”
I don’t really think of my “less-than-perfect” prints as mistakes, but more as prints with potential. If 10 percent of my work is amazing, then that is good enough.
I think that it is funny that I give myself so much attitude to “fail” when I am making art. {I wish this would carry over to the rest of my life.}
Most recently I am embracing the idea to start with what I know and can already do. For example, I was getting frustrated because I don’t seem to be able to free motion sew with my sewing machine. And I love the look and feel of free motion quilting.
After several good attempts, I set the machine aside and moved to the needle and some simple hand stitching. I will circle back to machine stitching maybe after I get some help.
Do you give yourself the space/time to make the mistakes necessary to really learn a new skill? Try it!
If you want some support in learning to print on fabric, then join us in Monoprinting on Fabric. Registration is open now.
Monoprinting on Fabric - online printmaking course
- Make & modify the glycerin and gelatin plate
- Make the most of your marks on fabric
- Capture the details with mere hand pressure
- Create one of a kind fabrics
Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.
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Well said Linda. We should all allow ourselves to make mistakes in order to learn, in art and in life.
This is such a fun way to use your work. I’ve always wanted to make my prints into more craft products and this might just be the way to go about it! I’m in a similar boat to you, when it comes to printmaking I love to experiment and learn new things but as soon as I try any other projects I get frustrated as soon as it starts going wrong hahaha!