Hallo everyone and welcome to my weekly Wednesday blog post!
Today I am going backwards a little, hey why not……Joan Collins does it for her birthdays doesn’t she and I inadvertently posted a video last week showing you all HOW to print a collagraph block instead of actually making the block in the first place!
So, my blog post last week focused on ways in which my printmaking practice deigned to survive the first lockdown period, particularly how I took my adult printmaking sessions online! Today, I will share a technique that you can try at home.
Collagraphy comes from the word ‘collage’ and basically its a printing block that utilises basic materials to create a textured surface from which you can ink up to create a set of prints. It is great fun to do and very often the print block at the end becomes a unique work in its own right. many artists’ use it to wonderful effect and I will share the names of a few artists you may like to explore.
In my weekly workshops which I ran from my home studio, my wonderful students used all kinds of printmaking methods, monoprint, linoprint, screen-print, drypoint, gelli plate and collagraphy.
As both a teacher and a printmaker, being aware of our environment is something I hold very dear. In my own work I very often source ideas and materials to incorporate into my work from my immediate surroundings. By creating closer connections to nature, my work evokes a sense of universality, without too much interference, I hope, from me.
Reusing and reinventing materials is also something we all need to work a bit harder at and packaging is a good place to start!
In the video below I show you how to create a basic collagraph block using materials you may have around you. Ideally, the nicest textures to use within your block are things that are quite flexible, like papers, fabrics, masking tape, fruit nets, All you need:
Card ( for the backing and also to create further raised surfaces within the block
Papers
Fabrics
Fruit nets are cool, garlic in particular!
Masking tape and other tapes
Any other materials like cling film and foil etc will work too
PVA glue
Shellac/Button Polish to seal your plate once dry (not essential)
If you would like to see more video tutorials then please peruse at your leisure via my 2nd Instagram handle @kims_workshops and locate the IGTV tab which is there below my profile and looks a bit like a square tomato with a little squiggle across it! I heartily recommend watching them on a desktop or laptop if you want to actually follow them whilst making something & then you can pause and play to your hearts content!
Okay, so now let me mention the names of a few artists whose collagraph work illustrate just how magical and versatile this print process can be.
Marian Haf - beautiful work and you can check out her instagram feed @hafmarina
Sinclair Ashman - we met during the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair in 2019 where we were both doing live demonstrations and he has a great blog on his website sinclairashman.com
Charles Shearer - ooooh just gorgeous gorgeous work, do have a look!
Karen Wicks - uses packaging as a base for her stunning collagraphs (be sure to type in printmaker after her name on the search!). Her instagram is @iacartroom and there you will find a link to a fab article showing you how she creates her collagraph blocks.
Please DO share your printmaking endeavors with me via my instagram @kims_workshops or via my contact page here on my website!
JOYFUL PRINTMAKING EVERYONE & THANK YOU FOR READING!
NEXT WEEK I WILL GIVE A GLIMPSE OF SOME NEW WORKS IN PROGRESS!