I have to say when the instructor first described the lithography project I was not particularly interested in it. I felt like I so did not want to do this project. The plate preparation and whole printing process completely did not appeal to me. It sounded like something so far from my style of printmaking. I like to work loose and react to what happens during the printing process. The description of litho seemed so far removed from that way of thinking. I decided I would have an open mind and just try and learn as much as I could and give this printmaking technique a shot.
It took me the longest time to even settle on a subject or drawing, It’s hard to be creative when the heart is not into the project. And mine certainly was not. I finally just did a doodle of abstract flowers, shapes, and patterns. I tried to incorporate different tonal values to give interest and depth to the piece. I was content with the drawing.
The etching process is still a little unclear for me. I know that we started out of the gate with the issues on the etch. As we applied the etching chemicals, the design started to wipe away. Come to find out I had used the wrong type of marks on the plate. Instead a grease type marker, I had used a stabilo pencil. A misunderstanding on my part of the type of pencil and marks to use in preparing the plate. There were several areas that the etch did not take and certainly did not etch the way it was intended. The etching detail images shows where the etch either did not take or washed away during the etching process.
It was a very frustrating process.That’s the challenge and fun of printmaking. For the novice printmaking, you never know what you are going to get. Printmaking teaches me something new everyday. Eventually I think you must get to a point to where you can predict things a little better but there is still some luck and guess work involved. That is one of the things about printmaking that is so awesome. No matter how much you know there are still things to learn, experiments to try, and techniques to fine tune!
The actual printing process was not that complicated. We worked in teams to help each other with the process. While I was not happy with the plate, the prints did come out consistent, which is always a plus in printmaking. I think the only thing I did like was being back on a press again. This entire semester had been screenprinting up to this point and I love using a press.
I do have to say I was glad when I was finished printing this project so I could move on to the project that really interested me.
The final part of this project was to add color to one of the lithographs. Watercolor and india ink were used to finish the print. I attempted to recapture some of the items that were lost in the etching but still not what it could have been if the etch would have been more of a success.
I’m sure these prints will end up as experimental pieces in my final portfolio.
Daylene Horn Art 