Category: Intaglio

Workshops

August has been a busy month for me and it’s not over yet.

On Sunday 10th August, I helped my friend out at an Intaglio printmaking workshop organised by Stockport Art Guild.

Alan Birch was running a 3 hour drypoint session at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery with approximately 15 participants. I was in charge of preparing the paper ensuring it was damp enough and blotted and ready for being printed. The prints created that day were of high quality and there is the possibility of running some more workshops.

Intaglio Printmaking Workshop.

A week later on Sunday 17th, I had my chance to run my own workshop at the art gallery which was demonstrating how to create Eco Image Transfer prints.

Eco Image Transfer workshop.

The 2 hour session went well and participants created some interesting work on cartridge paper, Balsa wood and Fabriano paper. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce this mono printmaking technique using household objects and materials.

I included a photo of the art gallery as a printing subject as it tied in well with the centenary celebrations of the war memorial and art gallery.

Last weekend, I visited the heritage centre based inside St. Mary’s church at the marketplace. The centre is open every Tuesday and Saturday.

The archive includes many photographs, found objects from archeological digs and books about the history of the town.

I spoke with one of its patrons, Jill Trumble and had a look through some of the photographic archive. I think a repeat visit is on the cards as next month there will be an exhibition on Woodbank hall.

Me at the Stockport Heritage Centre.

I still have to sign and edition my prints for International Print Exchange and the Hotbed press 20:20. 

My IPE submission: ‘Calm’ Eco Image Transfer on Fabriano paper.

The Centenary Open at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery came to an end on Sunday 24th August and I will be collecting my etching print depicting the Produce Hall this coming weekend.

Me next to my etching print of the Produce Hall.
Stockport Centenary Open Exhibition.

March update

The month of March has been a busy month for me print wise.

Last month, I was given the opportunity to host a small number of Eco Image Transfer Workshops as part of the Art For All Day event organised by Stockport Art Guild.

The print workshops were in three one hour slots and I demonstrated the simple technique of transferring a laser printed image onto paper, card and wood using a eco cleaning product.

The free workshop offered local residents interested in art, but perhaps with limited experience or opportunities, the chance to engage in a range of practical art activities guided by Stockport Art Guild members.

Check out my article about Eco Image Transfer here.

A few weeks ago, I visited the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House for the day and enjoyed the artwork on show by famous and not so famous artists.

A lot of inspirational prints on show. My favourite artist is Peter Blake.

Last weekend, I continued working on my Mezzotint print of the Viaduct. The print will be used for my entry in this year’s Twenty/Twenty Hotbed Press international print exchange.

“Viaduct”

I’ve also started work on a new etching which depicts the Pear Mill tower. I have created an initial line etching.

“Pear mill”

I am currently working on a new series of Eco Image Transfer prints focusing on Woodbank Park, the former Boars Head pub and the Bakers Vaults pub. More to follow in my next blog post.

Home Printmaking

I have been busy this bank holiday weekend working on a new set of dry point prints using my FOME intaglio portable printing press. The results look really good. I’ve adapted my press and arranged to have two sheets of plywood cut to set sizes. One piece of ply replaces the zinc plate and allows the rollers to grip better when running the press. The lower roller on the press has a cross hatch pattern which acts like teeth and grips the wood and prevents both rollers from slipping while in operation. The larger piece of plywood is used to anchor the press onto the bench by means of a large metal clamp and two metal brackets fixed to one side of the press. The press is positioned near the edge of the bench to allow plenty of space for the press handle to be operated by means. The setup works very well with no movement once the press is in motion.

The photos show my home printing setup which consists of the water tray to soak the paper, an area to act as a blotter to dry the paper of excess water. An inking area which is on a large clear piece of plastic Perspex, the press setup and finally a place to store the finished prints.

Water tray for paper to soak.
Blotter consisting of 2 thick sheets of blotting paper and paper towelling.
Inking area with scrim and tissue paper.
Etching press setup.

Drypoint prints.