I noticed this note on my wall today.
It is a note about my process and how I think about printmaking. It really helps to have a stimulating and personal subject matter. Even a “special” found tool or mark making instrument can keep me printing for hours.
Secondly, I am reminded that my experimental approach to making prints without a press is not a straight line to success, but more like an ever widening spiral, with plenty of ups and downs and “failures.”
The third note:
- simple
- raw
- authentic
is to remind me to embrace the idea that less is more. Sometimes that means fewer marks and and clearer focus.
I am thinking about using “studio stuff” as a subject matter for my next series of Trace Monoprints for the See, Draw, Print – online printmaking class.
Then I could work the prints into a small book. This will take a bit of planning so I have pages that can easily be bound. Last year I used the drum leaf binding to make a series of trace monoprints.
Today, I explored using a perfect binding with single sheet 5 ” x 7″ prints. I really wanted that form of binding to work, but I don’t think it is very durable.
Generally, I find fresh ideas and motivation when I am walking. I put a reminder note on my phone and test out my ideas when I get back to the studio.
Today’s ideas:
- New way to use masking stencil – did not work as imagined
- Use perfect binding to bind 5 x 7 prints – ok but I am not in love.
- Find tools to make trace monoprint landscape – in progress
I share this with the hope to inspire you to act on your creative impulses and to be aware of what motivates you.
If you are interested in learning to use your line drawings to make trace monoprints, then join us in the online printmaking class, SEE, draw, Print – class start soon. Read all the details on the workshop page.