Process
Screen printing:
Screen printing is a printing process using a fine mesh that is tightly stretched around a rigid frame. The areas that are not going to be printed are masked out by different methods. A squeegee is then used to press acrylic paint through the screen onto the paper.
I usually start with a sketch of a local image that I want to create. These are typically combinations of buildings, structures and graffiti with interesting colours that I see whilst out and about walking my dog. I work from a combination of sketches and reference photos.
I then use a variety of techniques to create different layers. These can include preliminary drawn or painted images using a variety of mixed media, mark making, frottage and block relief printing.
Each prepared layer is exposed onto a screen.
The layers of the print are then printed one by one, sometimes with additional paper stencils and screen block to adapt a layer. Each edition of prints takes many weeks to complete.
I work partly in a local printmaking studio where they have a screen exposure unit, and also at home in my kitchen, with my trusty studio technician!
Reduction Linocut:
Lino is a relief printing process, meaning that the ink is rolled onto the areas left behind after cutting. The reduction linocut method uses a single piece of lino which is increasingly carved and printed to create each layer. Each edition of prints takes many weeks to complete. A reduction print can never be reprinted as once an area has been cut away it can’t be reversed, which adds an element of jeopardy!
Reduction Linocut was an area I started pursuing during lockdown when I needed to find printing techniques that I could achieve at home. I'd felt nervous about trying reduction lino but much prefer it now to a multi block technique. This is mainly due to the ability to more easily re ‘register’ i.e. ensuring that each subsequent layer is repositioned in the right place.
I use oil based relief inks. Each piece is hand printed with a variety of different ‘barens’, which are tools used for rubbing paper to transfer ink. These range from the trusty wooden spoon, to a Slama press, which is a hand relief printing tool using the pressure of rotating steel balls.
Dry Point Etching:
Dry point is an intaglio method of printmaking that involves scratching an image into a metal or plastic plate with a sharp tool. These lines create a ‘burr’ that holds ink when it is applied. Intaglio printmaking is the opposite of relief printmaking. It is the positive marks that are printed rather than the areas that are left behind.
This is a useful method for a sketchy, drawing style of printing. Additional texture can be added with mark making tools and sandpaper. I use oil based intaglio relief ink. Once the ink has been applied to the plate there is the chance to be creative with how much ink is removed to create a tonal effect as well as adding in more detail, similar to producing a monoprint.
Creating an image from the inked up plate requires dampened paper and the pressure of a press to draw the ink out of the lines. I have a small table top etching press that enables me to produce drypoint etchings at home.