I love fabric and the feel of working with it. When I print on fabric things slow down and become more intimate.
I like the idea of hand stitching lots of details, but it is very time consuming. The print above started out as a landscape.
Can you see the abstract landscape behind the profile image? So prints can be greatly transformed as the process of creation evolves.
The base layers of this monoprint on cotton are light and with thin applications of ink. That is good because the:
- black image stands out agains the light layers and
- it is easier to sew through thin layer of ink or paint.\
I chose to mat this small monotype print and put it in a black frame. I used the Lineco paper hinge tape to stick the print to the back of the frame. This works well with very light weight art work.
I think is is important to allow the “feel” of the fabric print to show through in the final presentation. I want the viewer to know that the print in on fabric, otherwise I would have made the print on paper.
Some reason to print on fabric:
- I just like the feel of fabric
- I plan to sew into the final piece
- I want to use the fabric for other projects, pillows, wall hangings, etc
If you love to work with fabric and want to explore the experimental nature of monoprinting with the gelatin plate on fabric then check out the details of the online printmaking workshop, Monoprinting fabric. Class starts soon.