When I began to use printmaking I brought to it the same techniques I used in the Jordan Marsh collages, but now I added the ink. I started again with found materials, the backing from 5×7 frames. You should be able to pick out the barcodes! I also cut paper into random grids. Before I stitched them together I rolled them with Speedball water soluble block printing ink, which drys so the the papers could be handled. Run thru the press on to damp paper, the result is what you see on the right.
I have been to on 4 interviews, waiting for a 5th, with Macy’s. Over 25 years ago when I worked for Jordan Marsh, which was eventually absorbed into the Macy’s chain, I used my handwritten weekly class analysis reports (these of department 2601, Hosiery) to collage and stitch with. I loved the grid patterns the numbers formed, and it related to the weaving, all about lines crossing, I was doing as well.
Click on the images to view the full piece.
It was a fun adventure creating these prints! With no set intention for the finished product, I started with a block of wood I carved of a partial impression of a fish. First I printed a repeat pattern of the block in orange ink. Next I printed some loose monotype plates, using the thickened dyes I print the scarves with – intending a watery feel. Too strong! The monotype plate picked up from the damp paper a ghost of the orange block print. That print was so much quieter – but I couldn’t leave it alone. Another monotype plate went over it.
I set the prints aside for a few weeks – the strong colors and random patterns were hard to look at it! I couldn’t imagine how I would salvage them. Eventually, I inked up the woodcut and chose areas to print over, cropping the larger prints in to a dozen or so the size of the woodcut 5×7. I played with color and printing sometimes using a barren, sometimes using the press.
I love to paddle on the Mohawk River, many of my monotypes are inspired by the colors, textures and patterns I absorb while surrounded by water, fresh air and birdsong. Late last fall, I spotted this tangle of tree root. I had to return with my camera, and found it a little tricky to paddle up to as the water had receded so much. Yesterday I visited again, snapping more photos.
16-Jun-2010 13:22, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 8.5mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:22, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 9.3mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:22, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 10.7mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:21, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 11.5mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:21, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 13.7mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:21, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 17.5mm, 0.033 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:21, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 13.7mm, 0.022 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:20, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 3.2, 13.7mm, 0.022 sec
16-Jun-2010 13:25, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK DX6490 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA, 2.8, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec
I just love color and pattern! Printmaking gives me endless possibilities for creating rich and varied surfaces, sometimes as planned, and sometimes resulting from happy accidents and pure playful experimentation. And I have oodles of spontaneously created patterned paper as a by-product of the scarf printing process.
So here is a smattering of what’s pinned up on the walls over at Ragged Edge!
If you’d like to join me for a creative collage class send me a note. To discover the simplicity and enchantment of printmaking, consider a class at
Ragged Edge Printmaking Studio!
Check it out discover your chance to win a scarf!
If you aren’t lucky enough to win, head on over to Open Door Bookstore on Jay Street in Schenectady, The Boght Arts Center in Cohoes, or The Artisan’s Gallery in Middleburgh to purchase one for yourself or a friend.
Or contact me about taking a class to make your own!
Wearing a scarf with elegance should be simple – not a puzzle! Continue reading
I will be facilitating workshops in printing silk scarves using my fluid monoprint method, using thickened dyes at Ragged Edge Printmaking Studio.
It’s easy & fun and every participant will take home two scarves they created, with their own unique styles and colors.
The next workshops are scheduled for November 6 and November 19 (perfect for making holiday gifts!) at our studio in downtown Cohoes.
Life circles and spirals.
New patterns are always emerging and shifting.
My scarves flow with energy, color and spirit.
May they bring a bit of joy and delight to you.