Of the 6 printing techniques that we explored at the Cinque Port Scribes Summer School, collograph is undoubtedly the most challenging. This is because there are so many materials involved and therefore a number of variables. I think its like making bread - firstly you need to be immersed in the technique to understand the nuances, secondly you develop your skill through experience and time at the workbench and thirdly there are no shortcuts. Whew! What a prelude. An excellent start by Helen … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 7 – Collograph 4
So, Horatio? Into the Gap!This is my Artist's Book year and I am determined to research it thoroughly. I have now investigated collograph, spent many days on it, been disappointed and guess what?While I was screenprinting my family surname document, I was waiting for the screen to dry and started chatting to the technician. I said I thought running an un-inked plate to emboss might be better, so we tried it.te Dummmm...this has possibilities!(I will need to increase the depth and sort out the … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 6 – Collograph 3
Just as in the story, Rope of Words, I have to persist to achieve my goals.I have printed my plates and quite frankly, I am disappointed. Please ignore the awful design - it was an experiment!It's too monochromatic for the story.It is not suitable for fine detail or crisp letterformsIt is very hit and miss with inking up and printing. By the time I am ready to collograph, each folio will have been screen printed on two sides and could easily have undergone 8 screenings per folio on both sides. … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 5 – Collograph 2
I invested in a two-day workshop on collograph.It's not worth learning this from books.Teachers give a far better insight into the process.The materials are supplied.You need to learn how to use the specialist equipment - e.g. the pressure of the rollers etc.So on the first day, we made our plates and put shellac on them.On the second day we inked our plates and printed from them.Here is the demonstration by Janet Lueck, a talented collographer (!?) at the Oxford Printmaker's Co-op. The plate is … [Read more...]
Rope of Words 4 – Collograph 1
Here is my first trial plate.S on left: This is built from mountboard with the recessed parts "peeled" away, between the trellis. The S is painted in PVA to resist the ink.S on right: The S was cut out of thin card and glued on, while the plant stem on the S was peeled away. the middle has wallpaper stuck to it.After making the plates they are sealed with shellac, which can be home made or bought ready-mixed as "Button Polish" To make it, you mix shellac flakes and methelayted spirits. Either … [Read more...]