Alright. So. I made the same image again and again (and again.) Sometimes the paper was dry, sometimes the paper was damp. For most of them I used a Takach etching press at the printmaking studio. When I got home I made two more with my pin press to help demonstrate what can and can’t be achieved with just the pressure of my body on a fancy rolling pin.
This is my Akua pin press. She’s very fancy and very evenly machined. You hold onto those half moons and roll it over the print. Like this:
The ink goes on that thin plastic plate and the paper goes on top of that and then I put as much pressure as I possibly can on the whole thing and roll.
This is an etching press. The plate goes on the bed and the paper goes on the plate and then the whole thing gets rolled under that giant roller (there are also big felt blankets involved.) There’s a lot of pressure. It makes a difference.
ok. you ready?
Ranunculus 1. takach press, soaked zerkall copperplate paper.
Rununculus 2. takach press, dry zerkall copperplate paper.
Ranunculus 3. takach press, dry zerkall copperplate paper.
Ranunculus 4. takach press, damp hot press watercolor paper.
Ranunculus 5. pin press, dry zerkall copperplate paper.
Ranunculus 6. pin press, damp zerkall copperplate paper.
can you see all the differences? it’s fascinating. here’s a few more:
Rununculus 7. takach press, dry hot press watercolor paper
Ranunculus 8. takach press, dry zerkall copperplate paper.
which ones do you like the best?
lots of love,
m.