2010

A simple masking stencil and a lot of ink to make this gelatin plate monotype print.  I just kept layering on more ink to increase the contrast and create an image that I was happy with.

 

Gelatin Plate Monotype Print

If you follow my work, then you probably have noticed that I like to use a strong dark image as a focus.  With these small prints I like to fill the frame or set the image off center to create uneven spaces and hopefully some interesting movement in the print.

This print is made with

• simple brayer marks
• speedball inks
• regular gelatin/water plate
• paper stencil (well used and coated with layers of paint and ink)
• index card

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Happy Printing

Today I was printing with a profile masking stencil.  I created a couple of gelatin prints that I was happy with and started to clean up.  Then i noticed this gelatin print that was created during the clean up process.

So Funny…..

I often say to my students that you will create your best prints when you are cleaning  up, just getting rid of ink and not worrying about anything.  Well that was true for me today.

I have been experimenting with the everlasting gelatin plate recipe that Lindsay the Frugal Crafter shared on her blog.

I made several prints on this glycerin, alcohol, gelatin and water plate.  It……

• is super flexible and seems durable
  
• did not change sitting out on the workbench all day and night
• I tried the speedball inks and the golden open acrylics
• I found glycerin at CVS and walmart
• my inks were kind of fickle – they did not want to release from the plate every time

I think it is so great to have so many gelatin plate options these days.  You have

1. Gelatin and water – recipe here
2. Gelatin, Alcohol, Glycerin and water @ the Frugal Crafter
3. Gelli Plate – no recipe needed 

and you can always get creative and try other surfaces to hold ink, impressions and make your mark.  I have heard some use –

• Plastic sheet protectors
• rubber roofing material
• silicone mat

I am thinking that each type of plate and ink/paint will create a different effect. So use what you like, use what you have and happy printing.

 

Today I watched a great TED talk by Amy Cuddy – Your body language shapes who you are.  She talks about power positions and how they affect how people see you and how you feel too.  One reason this resonated with me is because I had decided that 2013 would be a Power People year for my art.

I want to –

• find powerful silhouettes and use them in my gelatin monotype prints 
• be aware of when I use power stances and when I don’t
• honor the power we all have and
• inspire others to embrace their own power

The Gelatin Monotype…….

today is a dancer  in an open and powerful position.  Can you feel her energy?