Gelatin Prints on Cotton Fabric

2010, fabric prints, Gelatin plate print, gelatin print tips / /
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One of the qualities that I love about gelatin printmaking is the ability to get great detail with out having a press.  The detail is increased when the gelatin is smooth and fresh, the paper/fabric is smooth and absorbent, and the moisture of the ink and the paper/fabric is just right.  I have been spritzing the cotton fabric and blotting it with newsprint to increase the tranfer of details. The blue piece above was made with a piece of yarn.  Oh!  I found that is it a good idea to heat set with an iron in between layers.  That will minimize the loss of details on the first layer.  More gelatin printing tips. Got to go play.
Gelatin print on Cotton Fabric, 8″ x 8″ ©2010

 

 

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Accordion Book Class @ Essex Art Center

2010, artist book, handmade books / /
Accordion books in various shapes ©2010 linda germain
I am pleased to share that I am offering an accordion book workshop at the Essex Art Center.  Just one day and you will be showing off your art in a book form. These are the details:
56 Island St. Lawrence, MA 01840
Tel: 978-685-2343 Email: info@essexartcenter.com
Date:  Saturday, September 25th, 10 am -2 pm, $40

We will create the basic form and then use collage and printmaking techniques to complete the book. Bring your our imagery and ideas and we can incorporate them into the process. The accordion is a great way to show off a series of prints, tell a story or display small artwork. EAC provides materials. We need at least 4 people to run the class so call, ask questions and sign up early.

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Two new artmaking habits

2010, haystack / /
©2010 linda germain
mixed media artist’s book
aprox 7″ x 14″
Two tools that I learned at Haystack that I want to build into my art habits are:
  1. Use a free write to focus an idea for a project.  We used a word or a sentence as prompt and then wrote off the top of our heads for 10 minutes or so.  This is not something that I would usually do but I think it will come in handy for some upcoming projects.
  2. Choose a small object to draw everyday.   Simply draw it, date it and file it away. Sas Colby did this with her “Bunny Series.”

I have a show of gelatin prints coming up in January and the theme is lost and found. I think I will use the free write to find some language to talk about the prints and the theme.  I have started drawing an old doll that I had as a kid.  She is in pretty rough shape, but I am committed to drawing her each morning.

Post by Linda Germain

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Two Gelatin Print Tips

2010, gelatin print tips / /
Use Newsprint to absorb excess moisture. © 2010 linda germain
I may have said this before, but I think it is very helpful.  The more prints I make the more I would like to be able to predict the outcome.  So lately I have been taking the gelatin out of the refrigerator and covering it with newsprint and letting it warm up to room temp.  It is about 68 -70 degrees these days.
Gelatin can get a tough skin over time. ©2010 linda germain
Today I experimented with the two sides of my gelatin.  The print on the left was made on the surface that had been exposed to the refrigerator air for a week or so.  You can see that the ink did not transfer to the paper as well as the one on the right. The print on the right was made with the underside of the gelatin.  I flipped the gelatin over and the surface was “moister”  (had more water in it.)  So bottom line when things are not working they way I like I start asking questions and try to figure what is affecting the transfer of ink.  Check out my gelatin print tips page.  These are factors that I am aware of
  1. Room temperature
  2. age of gelatin
  3. smoothness of the surface of the paper
  4. moisture in gelatin
  5. moisture in ink
  6. type of ink
  7. method used to burnish
  8. type of paper
  9. type of stencils and tools used

     

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20 ways to Put a little "Haystack" in your day

2010, haystack / /
© 2010 linda germain
5″ x 6″ X 2″ copitc stitch book with sea shells and prints

 Okay so Haystack is really a whole experience not just one outstanding class, meal, lecture or accomodation.  Today when I was walking in the woods by the lake and putting a little “Haystack” in my day I started thinking about all the ways I could bring that Haystack experience into my days.  Here’s what I came up with so far.

1. Get up when the sun or cold wakes you up.

2. Eat good food at 8 AM , Noon, and 6PM

3. Don’t use the tv, telephone or internet or radio

4. Don’t talk on your cell phone around others or in your studio space

5. Listen to other artists talk about their art for 2 hrs a day

6. Use poetry and writing to give you a focus

7. Walk in the woods

8. Swim in the ocean

9. Sit by the sea

10. Sleep on a very firm twin bed

11. Eat Fruit or cookies anytime you feel like it

12. Be in your studio at set times like 9-12 or 1-4

13. Find an art friend and talk about your process/project

14. Work less and make art more

15. Make your art your priority (in some way/at some time)

16. Drink water instead of soda

17. Put your name on your beer

18. Share wine at supper with your friends

19. Eat 3 healthy veggies at lunch and dinner

20. Be open to learning from everyone you meet today

Post by Linda Germain

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