Onward and Upward

This week is all about reduction techniques. With the trace monotypes we transferred ink to paper at the same time we were removing it from the plate. The reduction process involves removing ink from the plate prior to transferring it. This technique allows for a larger variety of mark making techniques. More expressive and fluid as well as more controlled range of value can be achieved via an infinite number of tools and materials.

Monotype video:

Cool video that shows trace monotype (positive and negative) and reductive monotype. Ignore the last part about the acetone transfer. There is a better way that will be demoed later:

Assignment #3

Visit: www.printeresting.org

Look through the archive of posts and find something that interests you. Maybe it’s an artist, process, exhibition review??? Write a few paragraphs about what you found and why you found it interesting. How has this inspired you? Print out the page and any additional images or research you do.

Food for thought.

So... what's a monotype?
Mr. Wikipedia says:

Monotyping is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The surface, or matrix, was historically a copper etching plate, but in contemporary work it can vary from zinc or glass to acrylic glass. The image is then transferred onto a sheet of paper by pressing the two together, usually using a printing-press. Monotypes can also be created by inking an entire surface and then, using brushes or rags, removing ink to create a subtractive image, e.g. creating lights from a field of opaque color. The inks used may be oil based or water based. With oil based inks, the paper may be dry, in which case the image has more contrast, or the paper may be damp, in which case the image has a 10 percent greater range of tones.

Monotyping produces a unique print, or monotype; most of the ink is removed during the initial pressing. Although subsequent reprintings are sometimes possible, they differ greatly from the first print and are generally considered inferior. A second print from the original plate is called a "ghost print" or "cognate". Stencils, watercolor, solvents, brushes, and other tools are often used to embellish a monotype print. Monotypes are often spontaneously executed and with no previous sketch.

Here's some history:
http://www.monoprints.com/history/brief.html



Here's what we're currently doing:
"Trace Monotypes"






Check this out:
http://www.waterbasedinks.com/printing-really-big-monotypes-by-steam-roller-skateboard-and-break-dancing

Janine Antoni "With Loving Care" (1993)

Watch this:

Assignment#2

Find an artist that utilizes unconventional art making tools OR standard tools in an unconventional way (printmaking or otherwise). Briefly describe (1-2 paragraphs) their artwork and process. How do these different tools aid their creative process? What tools can you use in your work? Print out a few photos of their work.