Fun Printmaking Day at a Friends

Fun Day of Playing at a Friends Press

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Last Wednesday I had a fun day hanging out with fellow printmaker and friend Carrie Markel in her studio. She has a large press that she inherited from another friend, peer and Matrix member Char Sylvesri. The press was built by a shipmaker...remind me the next time to take my camera and shoot it.... I did the drawing above several months ago while in the throws of a fever. I didn't bring it with me but since the composition is uncomplicated I was able to work from memory in the following monoprints.

This was the first monoprint that I made. Unfortunately the paper slipped as I was registering. No biggy, I simply worked from the residual pigment to repaint the plexiglass printing plate and make following two...

This is the second one done using the residual pigment image as a matrix for this and the following print. I painted the background then used a q-tip and the tip of the paintbrush handle to remove paint for the skeleton and her reflection.

I really like the second image but felt that a little yellowing of the bones would help the skeleton pop from the violet background. As could be predicted the use of complimentary yellow theory was right on...

The images are approximately 15x22" on Rives BFK, one sheet of white and two sheets of brown. The medium is createx monoprint base mixed with createx pigment dispersions. Some of the line work was done by dipping Aquarell Watercolor Stix into the monoprint base then drawing onto the plate. The signature watermark does not appear on the original prints.

Compilation of digital collages

Art Therapist Lisa Mitchell writes a regular web newsletter called Beyond Words (http://casts.webvalence.com/sites/The_Art_Therapy_Studio/current.html) The current issue addresses making in increments between all the practical stuff we do in life. In the article she asks the reader to consider their own increments. I thought it would be fun to ask my own peers, friends and followers to comment about their increments...thank you Lisa for this great way to realize our accomplishments!

1. "Identify something that you have done bit-by-bit over time. It could be handwork, painting, drawing, collecting, growing, writing, etc. Visit your accumulation by setting some of it out in a private gallery viewing. Make a slide show of this work, or share it with someone you trust. In the most positive and compassionate way, celebrate the commitment and endurance that this collection reflects."

I will post my own examples below. Please feel free to comment about your increments!

My education has been a project of almost 30 years. I started in the '80, taking a class here and a class there...with interruptions like basic training, marriage, parenting and just plain making a living. December 2009 I finally earned a master's in fine art. But it doesn't stop here. I intend to keep learning and taking classes, my next goal...Art Therapy certification...


The images in this post represent the first increment of a life work. I started this project in July of 2007 when I submitted my thesis proposal. These images are prints and proof that made up my master's thesis. I plan to eventually complete an entire hand printed tarot deck.

Upcoming Exhibit and the New Do

Gallery U20 exhibit opening reception this Saturday. Will be demonstrating printmaking at the site tomorrow June 10.

Before picture taken in April 2010 & After picture taken in June 2010

The ponytail I will be donating to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Last time I did this was in 2008, that's about how long it took to grow it out long enough to cut for donation again. Pantene requires 8 inches I had Shellie at Streaks Studio cut off between 10-11". this left a chin length bob for her to work with for a cute pixie haircut. Now I look like the mom in 1950's sitcom -- I'm just grateful I don't look like I just turned 51!