Since I began printmaking, I have always battled with how to best turn my drawings into prints. It would be much easier if I drew my designs directly onto the zinc plate rather than on paper. However, I love the freedom of drawing at home and being able to redraft it multiple times before it becomes the final image.
Working from home, rather than a studio, gives me the time and freedom to try out ideas before they are transferred onto the plate. Whilst it loses the more experimental element and flow, I have always preferred my work to be very careful, considered and still. I want every line to be deliberate. Nothing left to chance.
So how do I transfer the image to the plate? Once I have drawn my picture and inked over the pencil, I then have it scanned onto acetate. Next, I begin to process of photo etching: using ultra-violet light and acids to transfer the image onto a metal plate. This is time consuming and I have been to many studios who told me that it wasn't worth the effort and that I should just trace it onto the plate. However, Artichoke print studio (Brixton), never questioned this method and we're always supportive.
Once I have transferred the image onto the plate, I add aquatint: attaching fine particles of acid-resistant material to a printing plate by heating . This adds tones and texture; basically colouring if using acid.
For me, hardest part of this whole process is the element of the unknown: will the print turn out how I hoped? The whole process requires patience and faith- but ultimately, I love how it brings my drawings to life. There’s always a surprise element added to them through the print process .
’Headache’ 2024
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