22. Etching Demonstration: Mongezi Ncaphayi
01
First, the copper plate
is washed and
degreased to remove
all oily residues from
the surface, so the
etching fluid is able to
make full contact with
the copper.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
23. Etching Demonstration
02
The printing paper is
placed in a water bath
to soften and expand
the fibers. This
enables the paper to
pull the ink off of the
plate more effectively.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
24. Etching Demonstration
03
Layers of felt, called
“blankets”, are placed
on the press to even
the pressure of the
metal roller into a
consistent, strong
force.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
25. Etching Demonstration
04
Next, the etching ink
is scooped from the
can and prepared for
printing. Depending
on the image to print,
the printmaker may
modify the ink with
various additives,
making the ink softer,
harder, or easier to
wipe.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
26. Etching Demonstration
05
The printmaker then
applies the prepared
ink to the surface of
the etched copper
using a card or other
flat tool. The areas
that are etched will
grab on to the ink as it
is applied.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
27. Etching Demonstration
06
The excess ink is then
wiped from the plate
with a starched piece
of cheesecloth called
a tarleton. The
printmaker can use
the tarleton to control
the amount and
consistency of the ink
left on the plate.
However, non-etched
areas are usually
wiped clean.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
28. Etching Demonstration
07
A thin film of ink,
called “plate tone”,
can be removed
gently with paper.
Phone books are an
excellent source of
such paper.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
29. Etching Demonstration
08
The inked plate is
then placed on the
press. The soaked
paper is set under the
blankets and folded
over in preparation for
printing.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
30. Etching Demonstration
09
The printmaker then
cranks the large wheel
on the press to draw
the paper and the
blankets under the
large metal roller. The
high pressure from the
metal roller presses
the paper into the
crevices of the
etching, drawing out
the ink wiped into
them.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
31. Etching Demonstration
10
The paper is removed
from the plate,
showing the ink that
has transferred to the
surface.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
70. Monotype Demonstration: Joel Janowitz
01
A monotype is a form of
printing where inks are
applied to the printing
surface by brush, roller
or other means.
Monotypes share many
qualities with painting, in
that brushes are used
and the hand of the
artist is directly involved
in producing the image.
The monotyped image
cannot be duplicated
exactly, unlike with other
printmaking techniques.
Monotypes are usually
printed on paper, and a
press is an integral part
of the process. Also,
residual ink on the plate
will still print multiple
times, allowing
interesting layering
techniques to be used.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
71. Monotype Demonstration
02
Here a roller is being
used to apply ink to
the printing surface.
The surface is usually
Plexiglas. Plexiglas is
strong, cheap, easily
cleaned and
transparent. An artist
can trace designs or
photographs laid
underneath and then
work with the ink
above to create new
images.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
72. Monotype Demonstration
03
Monotyping also
allows for easy editing
and erasing. Here the
artist removes applied
ink with a rag. He may
choose to leave some
ink behind, creating
transparency effects
and areas of lighter
color.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
73. Monotype Demonstration
04
Sometimes the artist’s
hand is the best tool
for the job. Finger,
palms and heels of
the hand allow direct
control of the ink
surface.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
75. Monotype Demonstration
06
Brushes can paint
with ink, but can also
paint with solvents.
Using solvents over
ink makes ripple
effects and can lighten
the color that prints.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
77. Monotype Demonstration
08
A small brayer is used
here to create streaks
and stripes in the
background
composition.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
78. Monotype Demonstration
09
The present monotype,
on the Plexiglas plate
on the right, is
compared with a
previous version of the
print.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
79. Monotype Demonstration
10
Satisfied with the
image, the artist
prepares to print. He
will use paper soaked in
water to expand the
fibers, which will help
pull the ink off the
printing plate.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger
80. Monotype Demonstration
11
The print is run through
the press, and the
paper is pulled off the
printing surface. Notice
there is still ink left on
the plate below. The
artist can use this ink to
create a new variation
on this composition.
Photo credit: Robin Z Boger