The technique I use is a mixture between drypoint and monoprint.
Drypoint prints are created by scratching an image directly onto a printmaking plate using special drypoint tools. The plate is then inked up and polished. The ink remains in the grooves created by the scratching, but not on the rest of the plate. This image is then printed onto damp printmaking paper through an intaglio press.
Later I ink up the plate again and create background colour and atmosphere using various monoprinting techniques. A monoprint, as it’s name suggests, is a one off individual print which cannot be reproduced. This means that each print is original.
The Ink I use for my work is a relatively new printmaking ink which is soy based. It is non toxic and made with high quality light-fast pigments, It gives the same result at oil-based inks, but using water as the solvent means it is kinder to the environment.
