I recently filled out a questionnaire and one of the questions struck me as worth sharing. The question was: how does printmaking and/or the printmaking process influence your art practice?
This was my response:
I employ various printmaking techniques in my artwork, often combining them within the same piece. My preferred methods include screen printing, block printing, collagraph, pochoir, and gelatin printing. Traditionally, printmaking has been used to produce identical copies, but my focus lies in using printmaking to create pieces that exhibit similarities yet possess distinct differences—an exploration of making the unfamiliar feel familiar. A significant aspect of my work delves into uncovering what remains concealed in plain sight.
As a biracial woman who can pass as white, my work invites contemplation on the ability to truly perceive what one is observing. Printmaking affords me the opportunity to work in multiple layers, revisiting images and shapes, all while posing the fundamental question: How far can I push this? While I consistently produce art in a series format, I seldom adhere to what might be deemed a traditional edition.
The practice of printmaking is deeply rooted in ritual; it involves a series of essential steps for success. Whether I'm meticulously burning a screen or carefully printing a block, ritual plays a fundamental role in my daily artistic process. It's somewhat ironic that a significant portion of my studio routine revolves around these rituals and maintaining order, considering that my artistic output revolves around navigating the periphery of visual chaos and striving to break free from uniformity.
I think it's important to think about WHY we choose the techniques and methods we use in our artwork. Is it because it's easy? Because we know it? Because the supplies are readily available? Because we don't know any better? Or is it because it serves the work in some way?
Here's a recent piece of my work that incorporates a few printmaking techniques:
As a side note, this piece was made using the techniques I'm teaching in my upcoming Botanical Monotype Collage class. It's all about mixing collage and printmaking together so that you're collaging on top of prints and printing on top of collage. It's lots of fun!
But back to the subject on hand: Do you use printmaking techniques in your artwork? If so, why?
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and awareness of your printmaking process. So professionally and intellectually presented as an in-depth artist statement. Was so interesting to read! I felt like I was in an art museum. You are so impressive and inspiring at the same time!