I found that I had a pile of 2″ by 7″ trimmings from cutting my paper down to Christmas card size. Do you cut paper to size and have a similar pile of waste paper?

I was printing 5″ x 7″ cards with some Tyvek® stencils.

The paper trimmings are the perfect size for bookmarks. I could use these as gifts and marketing materials at local shops.

Tyvek® stencils for gelatin printmaking.

I used a hole punch and some matching twine to finish off the bookmarks.

If you would like to explore gelatin printmaking check out current workshops.

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I am inspired by many types of art making.

And I have tried:

• watercolor,
• acrylic painting,
• drawing with all types of charcoal and pens and pencils
• mixed media
• bookmaking
• encaustic
• fiber arts like quilting and sewing
• photography
• fabric dying like shirbori and tie dye

And most recently many types of printmaking without a press:

• Gelatin Printmaking – with the homemade plate
• Screen Printing – with small images and easy emulsion techniques
• Relief printing with soft carve and foam plates
• Trace Monoprints – a quick and expressive line drawing style of printmaking

Factors that may help you choose an art making method:

• Toxic nature of the process or materials – Some methods are toxic and require good ventilation, special spaces and equipment. So for me that meant no encaustic, no oil based paint or ink, no melting stuff that creates bad fumes, no dye powders that need special attention to prevent inhalation. Sometimes an artist’s allergy or sensitivity to materials will change over time.
• Space needed to create. I think we all dream of the artist loft or barn with unlimited space to collect materials and art. But most of us have to work in a smaller space or even a dual purpose table. And how will your art making affect the other people that share your space?  I find that most of the printmaking processes that I use, gelatin printmaking, small screen printing, relief printing and trace monoprinting can easily be done in a small space with a few foldable tables and access to water.
• Your creative style:  Are you a meticulous planner or are your a playful experimenter? Are you neat or messy? Are you realistic or abstract? Do you need to see everything out before you to be able to put it together or can you plan and visualize everything in your head? Do you need to surround your self with lots of visual inspiration or do you need calm quiet white walls? I embrace the chaos and need some visual inspiration, but I need to see most of my tools. I am a messy experimenter who likes to combine abstract and some realism. So when you are trying out new mediums ask your self how the new process fits your style. For example wood carving and etching and working with a press is all beautiful but it requires too much planning and preparation for my style.

How would you describe your creative style? What is your art making space like? Do you have any limits on the types of materials that are healthy for you to use?

Keep your answers in mind when you sign up for your next art class or art retreat. That way you will make a decision that fits YOU!

If you think non-toxic, experimental and home based printmaking sounds like a good fit for you, then check out the upcoming Make Monotypes, gelatin printmaking class. It is a 4 week, online printmaking class, where you will get short actionable lessons, teacher support and feedback and encouragement from other printmakers from all around the world.

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That is a great question. The answer: it depends, 6 months or more probably.

 

You probably were hoping for a more specific answer. Let me explain.

The gelatin and glycerin printing plate is made of 3 ingredients water, glycerin and gelatin. The water evaporates over time. You will notice that the plate will shrink and get less spongy.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. You will notice that the plate holds and transfers marks differently as it changes.

So to slow down the evaporation of  the water, I cover the plate with a plastic chopping mat.

It is possible to refresh the plate, by melting it down and adding water back into it. I find that this works for a couple of times and then the plate gets too sticky or fragile. That is when I make a new plate.

You may ask, then why bother with making the plate if it does not last forever.

• Well I like the way it holds and transfers ink.
• I like the way the marks change as the plate changes.
• And it is non-toxic and easy for me to work with.

For example, in the print below the white dots create an interesting texture and that is due to the changing printing plate. Tiny holes developed in the plate and caused the interesting texture.

I would say that I have had gelatin plates last for about 9 months to a year. Some of my students have kept them for even longer. I think it depends on several factors:

• weather, heat and humidity
• how often you use the plate, (more is better)
• how you store it

If you are interested in exploring gelatin printmaking with the homemade glycerin and gelatin plate, then you are in luck.

Make Monotypes starts January 8, 2018 and you can get the Early Bird Discount and save $40. Read the details on the printmaking workshop page and join us today.

 

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