Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Shibori – Clamp Resist Experiments

2010, fabric prints / Linda Germain / March 13, 2011

clamp resist method of shibori

I am taking a fun class at Essex Art Center taught by Rachel Hunt Durocher. We are getting to try out many different ways to create resists and dye fabric. We are using MX fiber reactive dyes and mercerized cotton. But you know me I always like to try something else or break the rules or do what I am told not to do. So I have been trying to dye cotton and linen that I had lying around the studio. Some times it works and some times it does not.

Clamp resist on rusted fabric

©linda germain 2011

This piece above look better in person, but I love it. I had rusted the fabric a few weeks ago and added a clamp resist yesterday. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it. Below are my supplies for the clamp resist.

Post by Linda Germain

supplies for clamp resist

© linda germain

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Simple relief prints, rust prints and more

2010, relief prints, rust prints / Linda Germain / March 12, 2011

Untitled 2011

screen print on rusted paper

© linda germain 2011

I have been playing with foam relief prints in preparation for some kids classes and experimenting with rusting fabric just because I love it. Today I was playing with a blocking fluid screen print. With so many experiments it is hard, no impossible to see the top of any of my work tables.

what I have been up to board

24″ x 36″

© linda germain 2011

I really like to play with out having to end up with a product. Is that strange? Sometimes I think so and then get into a rut about having to have great finished work.

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Lost and Found – Gelatin Print exhibt by Linda Germain

2010, Gelatin plate print / Linda Germain / January 20, 2011

Installation in progress @ Willow Gallery, Lynn Arts, Lynn, MA

In between the snow storms, I was able to get down to the gallery and install the gelatin print exhbit. The light and the windows in the gallery space is fantastic. I was able to hang 19 gelatin plate monotype prints. There is a space for my printmaking video to run on a loop. I have published a book in conjunction with the show and left other bits of inspiration in the gallery as well.

Lost and Found exhibit by Linda Germain being installed.

I was well prepared to install the show and learned that a level is crucial to getting things straight. I am getting excited for the opening next Saturday, Jan 29 from 2 to 4. Directions to Lynn Arts.

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Rusted Fabric Gelatin Print

2010, fabric prints, rust prints / Linda Germain / January 6, 2011

©linda germain 2011

untitled gelatin plate print on rusted fabric aprox 7″ x 7″

Well I was trying to salvage some gelatin that I made around December 10th. I had about 5, 8″ by 10″ pieces and was blotting off the excess water and slime to see if I could still print with them I was amazing how each piece aged differently. Some were mostly slime and others were still mostly solid. I had a few minutes and decided to try making a few prints. I loved the one above.

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What is a Newsprint Pick up in Gelatin Printing?

2010, gelatin print tips / Linda Germain / January 5, 2011

I use the term newsprint pick up a lot when I talk about gelatin printmaking. So I thought I would explain what I mean. I simply place newsprint over the gelatin to pick up unwanted ink. I don’t rub the newsprint. I just lay it down flat and burnish with my hand. I do this over and over again with clean newsprint to pick up unwanted ink. In the example above I am placing the newsprint over the spider like stencil. So I will end up picking up the ink around the stencil as shown in the image below.

Notice that there is no ink left on the plate except for the red ink under the stencil. Then I remove the stencil and will be left with the ghost image as shown below.

The ghost image can be very delicate and detailed depending on the type of stencil that you use. It can also be unpredictable and frustrating if you have rigid expectations. More gelatin printing tips.