Use what you have

mark making tools / /

As mixed media artists we collect things.

artist book with brown paper bag

We see the potential in the unwanted and cast off.

found stamping tools to use with gelatin printmaking

I need to remind myself to “use what I have” every once in a while. Have you ever surprised yourself by making a delicious soup, when there was “no food” in the kitchen.

When I glance around my studio I see:

  • I have plenty of time
  • I have many tables and plenty of space
  • Stencils, paper, prints and stamping tools
  • Printers, computers
  • Window to the street
  • Dad for company

Surely there is no need to shop for more stuff.

studio mess

One challenge that I love to give myself is to use what I already have. So I think I will take some time and sort through my space and stuff to find a focus for my next project.

black out poem in book page

What do you think? Could you find your next art project by examining what you already have?

Try it!

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Walk to support your creativity

inspiration / /

I am so grateful for the short walks that break up my day at the studio.Walk to feed your creativity

Sometimes I just go around the block trying to get a little fresh air and sunshine. Often that is just enough to clear my mind.

linda germain gelatin printmaking in the greenhouse in winter

Sometimes, I find a rusty treasure. That I use to stain paper and fabric.found rust by linda germain

Other times, I see shadows and shapes that inspire stencils for printmaking.

Cast shadows inspire printmaking tools Linda Germain

I will pick up weeds and twigs to use to make printing plate.

relief print with masking stencils

So I highly recommend taking a walk to inspire your printmaking practice.

  • Just walk out your studio door and see what happens
  • Go to the woods or beach before you even head to the studio
  • Go at a comfortable pace without expectation

Enjoy!

 

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Dad asks – What are you going to do with all this stuff?

Gelatin plate print / /

I have been working on creating the 100 Print Project class for a while and I have made lots of prints. My studio is in my dad’s machine shop.

installation of gelatin plate monotype prints

With hundreds of prints spread over several walls and tables, Dad asked, “What are you doing with all this stuff?”

Great question!

I am not sure. I really love the process of creating prints and classes.

gelatin prints in process linda germain

I am encouraged by seeing the hundred or so prints on my studio wall.

Working this way gives me a feeling of cohesion in my work. It is also very easy to frame, display all these 5″ x 7″ prints.

I was encouraged by the early collage installation of Rex Ray to hang all my prints on the studio walls as an installation.

mat and frame gelatin prints

Ideas for what to do with these 100+ prints:

  • Look for a gallery to have an exhibit
  • Frame a few in easy standard size frames
  • Mat them to 8″ x 10″
  • Sort them into sets
  • Just enjoy them for a while
  • Store them in a small box
  • Put them in handmade portfolios

I am hopeful for this project. In my early days of gelatin printing, I played and printed a lot. I am still playing and printing, but now I feel like I have a cohesive body of work that I would like to do something with.

gel prints by linda germain

If you would like to create 100+ gelatin plate monotype prints with a little support, then check out the details of the 100 Print Project Class, an online printmaking workshop.

Happy Printing!

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Support Serendipity – gelatin printmaking

techniques / /

Gelatin printmaking is a monotype process that is part planning and part happy accidents. The prints are truly one of a kind impressions.

gelatin plate prints by linda germain

My approach to gelatin plate printing is to print a lot so I can figure out what types of marks are possible. Then I try to combine certain kinds of marks to make dynamic and unique prints.

monotype print of female figure

Even after all these years, I can end up with happy surprises. I used some planning to create the dark blue female figure and was pleased with how the orange and blue edge lined up on the right. I like how the plate ink makes the left side a bit less bright.

weed and block monotype print

This one started as a series of brayered on geometric shapes with the idea of leaving some white on the paper. I did a little planning around framing up the grass element and was pleasantly surprised how the bold shapes and delicate impression combine to create a dynamic image.

monotype fern print by linda germain

This fern print was mostly planned and yet the elements of serendipity are the tiny white dots that run through the print. These are created by small holes in my gelatin plate. As the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate ages little defects can appear in the surface of the plate. I happen to love those defects.

This type of learning to plan our printed marks and support serendipity with new understanding is the approach we will be taking in my online printmaking classes. Check out the current workshops.

installation of gelatin plate prints

 

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Choose paper as part of your print design

monotype print / /

Recently, I have had a few questions about the print paper for my new class 100 Print Project, an online gelatin printmaking workshop.

gelatin prints on book pages

That got me thinking about paper choices for gelatin printmaking. I usually print on smooth and absorbent 90 lb. drawing paper. It picks up ink details nicely and is inexpensive, so I can print freely without concern for cost of paper.

Another paper that I have used is 67 lb. cover stock from Staples. This paper absorbs the ink nicely, but is a little too smooth for my liking.

I like printing on white washed book pages too. This involves some extra steps, but I love the way that slightly obscured text can draw the viewer into the piece.

white washed book pages for gelatin printing

So if you are thinking about joining the online printmaking class, the 100 Print Project, then consider what you would like to say with your choice of printing paper. Can you think of another paper that you could use?

delicate gelatin print on book page

The 100 Print Project class is about printing small and consistently to develop your own person style or message with a large series of prints. When you take the time to make and display 100 prints, you will see new meaning and messages in your work.

gelatin plate monotype prints on tea bags

  • What do you think you are saying with your prints?
  • What do you want to say?
  • Does it matter?

For me, it is all about the process of collecting materials, experimenting with those papers, tools and stencil to make a print that is pleasing to me.

gel plate monotype print by linda germain

  • What materials inspire you?
  • What is an important part of your process?
  • Do you display and admire your work?

Happy Printing!

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