#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
The plate is passed through the press and printed onto dampened watercolour paper, which picks up the ink extremely well to give a good end result.
First pull:
31 – 40 PROJECT GROUP
Plates inked:
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
Following the etching process, ink is applied liberally to the plates to ensure that the channels are filled. Excess ink is then removed using scrim, a coarsely woven fabric similar to cheesecloth.
Safe places
#elevatedplains – distant horizons 02
Standing on this flat hilltop plain in the Chilterns provides a clear view to the far-off horizon. In the middle-distance sheep graze in safety, untroubled in an open space that does not provide any cover for predators.
Ready for etching:
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
The ‘ground’ is removed to leave a channel which, after etching with acid, will hold the ink for printing.
Exposing the plate:
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
The plates are coated in a hard ground and smoked. The smoking process covers the plate with soot, which makes it much easier to spot any unwanted marks on the plate.
All that I Know 04
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
Things are going well but I am not achieving the finish I want, perhaps I will have to start from scratch.
All that I Know 03
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 03
I am about to embark on a new body of work, ‘All that I know’. Although that’s slightly misleading, because I have felt this idea wriggling around in my head for quite some time. To be more precise, I think I am about to put pen to paper.
Transferred onto plate:
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
The original drawing ready for transfer to the plate using carbon paper. This needs to be ‘back to front’ in order to print the right way round.
All that I Know 02
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues
I don’t specifically work at finding new ideas, but I do feel them forming in my mind, and I started thinking about this particular project some considerable time ago. What I am not at all sure about is why now is the right time to make a start.
Trace down:
#tableauxofdreams – exploring other avenues 33
The traced image, showing areas to be scratched away ready for etching.
