Several years ago at the 2005 Paper Book Intensive I made a book called Bone Secrets, using simple printing techniques. Since then I’ve reconsidered this idea. Are some secrets so old and fundamental that they’ve become part of my foundation? Perhaps sequestered in my bones?
This idea led met to make a couple of intaglio prints further exploring this idea.
Here are a few prints from collagraph plates, signed and numbered. I tossed the first 6 prints – haven’t mastered the skill of consistent inking and wiping. So many variables, pressure, paper, soaking time, etc. There is as much skill required in printing as there is in making the plate.
Oak Ladder, collagraph, 1/4, 2009
Itane Est, 1/3 collagraph, 2009, collagraph
Undergrowth Moon, 2009 collagraph
What a relief to finally have them here and assembled! Mary and I had been working with (struggling with) a machinist to make the parts since September 08. We purchased the plans online and finally found a skilled and accomodating machinist/engineer who made the parts. By doing so we were able to save about $1500 per press (we each got one).
The rollers are 14 inches (plans specified 12 inches). They are extremely solid and capable of providing more than enough pressure for any printing technique.
Now, we learn how to use them – how exciting. I’ve made a few prints from collagraph plates so far, just exploring the technique. Mary and I will be taking a printmaking class at the Art Student League of Denver in a few months. Until then I’m going to explore collagraphs.
The pile o’ etching press parts
The other pile o’ etching press parts
Finished etching press!
Mary with her new 100 lb. toy
Cameron lording over both presses