Spontaneity and rule breaking
2 weeks to Open Studio
My first visit to the screen printing studio this year was for a masterclass on making print editions. The tutor stressed 'linearising' the process to make each print identical– not my style, but I learned a lot of technique which is always handy.
I prefer the spontaneity and rule breaking that mono-printing offers. Monoprint is a form of printmaking where the image can only be made once, unlike most printmaking which allows for multiple originals.
The process isn't linear, but there's still a method to it. I wanted to share a bit of it with you because customers often assume I’m talking about a copy when I talk about “printing”. I find myself explaining that it's a one-of-a-kind original. Even if I attempted to replicate it, I could never get it identical. That’s the beauty and why.
4 steps to monoprint succcess:
Paint: I work ink directly on the screen using brushes, spatulas, or fingers to create the image.
Paper: Placing a sheet of paper under the screen I align it so it fits perfectly with the screen (the fiddly part)
Push: I use a squeegee to push the ink through. The ink is forced through the mesh onto the paper.
Print: We’re done, time to rinse repeat. I wipe the screen clean and start again.
Some may find monoprinting challenging due to the absence of a blueprint or stencil to work from, but that's precisely what captivates me. Within the process and rules, I seek the expression that brings freedom and adds fun to what I do.
The last run of prints completely sold out at my open studio in 2022, so I made some more for the open studio in 2 weeks (flyer below); I hope you can make it. I'm also hosting an online sale with free international shipping for that weekend only. A perfect chance to add a one-of-a-kind print to your stocking – once they're gone, they're gone.
Have a lovely weekend.
Salome
P.s. For those interested in learning, I did a one-day introduction course here and after I was hooked. Highly recommend.
