Printing & Papermaking Techniques
In my studio practice, I’ve slowly acquired a variety of printmaking and papermaking techniques to use in my art, at times completely and often obliquely included. Each process provides an opportunity for a meditative approach to art-making within the unexpected discoveries that they bring to the paint, collage, and (more recently) sculptural process - continually enticing me along the unique, exploratory path of each piece of artwork. Below I describe my most used techniques, including stamping (as seen in the image “A Poppy Tapestry”, monotypes, gelatin plate printing, and paper casting - all completed with original designs using hand-made materials and processes whenever possible.
Monotypes
Using a variety of materials, I recently re-discovered my love of printing with a press (although it’s a much smaller version than the commercial print press I used in college when learning to create Intaglio prints). Using a little table-top press with inked fibers, scratched and/or raised surfaces, or simply painted surfaces masked with hand-cut stencils (all of which I liberally place under the umbrella term of “monotype”), I move the paper through the press multiple times to create expressive markings within purposeful shapes and designs. Small, press-sized completed pieces may emerge from the process, but also often go on to become collage material for other pieces or inspiration for spoon rubbings onto larger work.
These processes are featured specifically in my “BEING”, “Unbound”, and “Cellular Thoughts” series. More about these series can be found in my book “A Painter’s Journey - Art found in Process, Poetry, & Possibility.
Hand Carved Stamps
With designs I’ve carved into a palm-sized rubber sheet, I explore patterns and textures within my work. Repeating the process of rolling paint onto a stamp from dozens to hundreds of times, I create “painted” labors of love.
More about the process and the art created using this technique is provided in the book, “Expressions of Color and Pattern” - available here as an affordable digital download edition. (Other options available in Jennifer’s Blurb Bookstore.)
Gelatin Plate Printing
My continuing foray into various printmaking practices led me to artist Megan Morgan, who was demonstrating her techniques with botanical printmaking at an event in Boulder, CO. I love experimenting with this process, often using the test pieces as unexpected elements and interesting patterns to collage into other work. Details about my process can be found by following or subscribing to my Patreon page.
Papermaking
I first encountered the art of papermaking as an undergraduate at the University of Washington and brought my enthusiasm for the process into post-college life by creating 300 hand-pulled papers to use as invitations for my wedding. (And also printing the cover with a hand-carved woodblock). Since then, however, I strayed from the papermaking arts until more recently finding a new technique to explore in paper casting and molding. Today I work with these forms to create elaborate collages, hanging sculptural work, and “quilts” of handmade paper shapes cast out of my original plaster-made forms. Look for more of my work to incorporate these techniques as I look to expand my art practice to include installation art.
