Monotype printmaking

Process and product

This form of art making is something that I have had the opportunity to experiment with when I was younger, though it is not often times my go to choice of medium. With my theme of Control vs Play in mind, I was trying really hard to do the reverse, to see how far I can go with randomly placing elements on top of one another and just go with gut feeling. Something that happened beyond my expectation was the fun of it honestly. The process was so quick and easy that I and other classmates got the chance to work on multiple prints, giving us a chance to show, share and talk about each other's work, which often times does not always happen with other medium.

Something else that I really liked and learned a lot from this process was the usage of texture pieces and the real world affect they had. So even though bringing a lot of different textures was exciting, layering them was a different story, due to their sizes and different thickness each material has, leading to some parts getting more ink and imprinted a lot clearer than others. Another thing to note is that the preparation for one printing session was a lot more than I had anticipated, from choosing all sorts of ink, to tools, colors, etc. Last but not least is the fact that color theory was a huge help when it comes to printing, as it create a sense of stability in all the chaos that was the random shapes and textures in the artwork.

Technical and safety information about tools and materials

The materials that was needed for monotype printing is quite easy to navigate because despite the quantity of ink, color and paper, the materials are quite straight forward and easy to use for students. I would say that students of all ages should be able to use the materials freely, though students of younger ages will need to be cautious due to the inks.

Textiles and texture assets might need to be brought in by students to share and build up through out a long period of time, otherwise I would just recommend building up a collection as soon as possible.

Another thing to note is that using the brayer and baren might need a tad bit more force to apply ink evenly, so younger students might require extra assistance.

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5015.pdf

Tool:

• Gel plate

• Brayer

• Paper

• Texture/textile pieces

• Ink (I used Blick)

• Baren

The process is as follow:

• lay the gel plate down, on a subsurface to avoid dirtying tables

• apply color of ink of choice

• use the brayer to spread the color evenly

• put the desired texture on top (it's going to be reversed)

• put the paper on top

• apply pressure using the baren, move it through out the paper to get color evenly

• flip over and wah lah, you have a print

Ideas of use for preK-12

My idea for a class would be project focusing on texture and color, aimed at experimentation rather than a complete product. For older students, the expectation of a larger body of work, with a more focused thematic and maybe palette. I would not be so rigid with the assignment, due to the nature of experimentation. I'd require them to hand in a piece of writing with their intention in it, and their project will be graded accordingly to how strongly their series of work can hold up to their choice. Other than that, since ink printing is all about consistency, I'd like to also evaluate their works based on how consistence their monotypes look or feel.

While those are the main focus, I'd like students to bring in their own image or object, inserting a more personal touch to the project. This would probably be a 2 weeks project, since the first day would be experimenting and getting to know the materials; the second would be for them to bring in their own texture - pieces and start their series of print immediately.

Anne Ulku

Reading Incorporated Idea:

1. "there are different approaches to preparing the plate for a monotype - you can use brayers and paintbrushes to build up an image (additive approach) or cover the plate with ink or paint and use rags, brushes, and other tools to selectively remove areas of color media (subtractive approach)."

   This is a very nice way of building up the initial layer of texture on the print, something that other forms of art making need a lot of time and effort to incorporate. It certainly opens up my mind to think about the process of printing, step by step; thus, I can then think about other steps and try experimenting with them too.

   
   

2. "what kind of thinking and action does the monotype process invite and support?"

   I think the wording is very important here. To be invited and supported makes me think of monotype printing as something very friendly and can easily be navigated. Also, asking this to the students before and after the process will certainly bring in very interesting perspective. This sharing of ideas and experiences is the exact reason why we as artists do when we try to learn and work with other people.

   
   

3. "how do the visuals effects that can be achieved through monotypes differ from those of other approaches to printmaking?"

   Another important question. Why do monotypes instead of other forms of printing? This right here would making the students recall and think deeply about their experience with a new form of art. To choose is to make a conscious action, and to do so with a self - found reason is very important, especially to children of learning age.

Other Forms of Printing:

(they wont be as in depth since I personally did not use this method)

Carved block Printing:

By using a block of linoleum and cutting it using a bench hook, carve accordingly to a pencil sketch. The most important thing to note is that the print will be inverse with the sketch. After carving the linoleum, apply ink on top of it, roll over with a brayer, and place paper on top, thoroughly rub with a baren on top to apply ink onto paper. While the process is simple, I believe this required a higher skill ceiling for the students.

My own example:

Collagraph

Using found objects to print, I find this method to be the least exciting and effective overall for a print. Glue down objects or textures onto a cardboard or paper, apply ink onto them, and then place a paper on top, apply pressure and thus a print should be made. I, personally, do not prefer this method as it can get messy and ineffective, lacking in both substance and artistic skill.

Stamping

This is in my opinion the most fun and playful, easy to work on method of printing. This method uses found objects of any kind: sponges, Legos, rubber bands, stamps, etc ... These objects are then covered with ink and picked up to be pressed down onto paper, creating patterns and beautiful shapes. I think this method is appropriate for younger students because it can be very easy and fun, yet the experience of layering different textures and shapes can be very beneficial for their exposure to fundamentals.