“Never give up and keep trying” was my motto this morning. And its paid off as finally I got a result, maybe not the best print I’ve done but are great start. So what is Kitchen Litho? A very brief … Continue reading
As I spoke about on the last post, I had such a wonderful time at Bunginderry but the most inspiration came from the time we spent on the red sand dunes. The contour lines in the sand had such direction … Continue reading
Well this update is a little over due but I thought I would share with you a few images and sketches I completed whilst at Bunginderry. It was a wonderful weekend shared with the ten fellow artists on the WOW- … Continue reading
Following on from my last post, I’m experimenting with waterless lithography in theory it’s sounds relatively easy and the possibilities if I get it too work are wonderful.
My first hurdle is to source the correct materials, then to actually get it working. As I’m limited to supply’s I will have to compromise and get creative.
Anyway after putting my image on a plate, I covered it in silicone. Then it cured overnight before I attempted to wash out my drawing. This was the first learning curve seeing what mediums worked. The plate looked like this
To really see if this process was a success the truth will be when I ink up the plate. I tried with both inks I had and I can say it was a big failure. However not all is lost as I do believe there is a etched mark in the plate. See image below where you can make out the line of a bird.
So now I need to sort out the correct ink, I have some etching ink and some relief ink. After using both I really think I can modify them and I will need to buy some litho ink. So when I can I will put in a order which will be a week or so away. In the mean time I might do a little research and see if I can play with the inks I have. It would be so wonderful to get a successful print at home. So many variables to consider, the right mix of silicone, the correct draw medium, the curing time and lots more. But what a wonderful exploration and it’s not over yet!!! I’m not going to give up 🙂
A big part of printmaking is problem solving and experimenting with materials until you get a desired result.
Whilst at uni we had a fully equipped studio with access to all sorts of equipment, materials and knowledge from lecturers. I enjoyed working with woodcut, Linocut and collographs.
Then looked at screenprinting and etching (on aluminium plates, dry point, aquatints and more.) Using lots of chemicals and things I would not dare to do at home.
We also studied stone lithography, something you just couldn’t set up yourself.
Now after many years I find myself wanting to return to some of these techniques but get frustrated in not having materials or access to equipment. It’s a struggle working from home with limited access to these things.
Previously I tried screenprinting and Lino cuts at home. which was fairly easy to work into your home but other styles are more of a battle.
However, I’m not giving up and I’ve found a wealth of knowledge on the internet. One technique which I was excited about is the silicone waterless lithography.
Having an old etching plate I thought I would give it a trial. I drew an image on the plate with a variety of crayons, pens and some gouache.
Then I borrowed a little silicone from my husband and some thinner from my neighbour. Thankfully I have some wonderful people around me who support me on these mad experiments.
Anyway I made my concoction and put a layer on my plate.
So this is what my plate looked like, forget the image design it’s just a play with different mediums to see if I could get a result from home.
Now to let it cure overnight before I wash out the drawing and then get to ink it up. It’s fun playing again but hopefully it will end up with some good results. So I am able to produce some images with this technique.
I will keep you posted of my progress…
With my creative energies building I couldn’t help but try my hand at a woodcut again.
I had purchased a couple of little Japanese wood blocks many moons ago and they have be floating around. So after sanding them back I drew up a image and got cutting.
My tools weren’t the best and not the sharpest but I enjoyed the process.
I love working with wood and will experiment with other pieces.
Anyway, with ten mins spare before the school run I did a trial proof. Just printed by hand without the press and in some paper out of my sketch book.
Here are a couple if progress shots:
I will sit down later and play with the image a little more. And hopefully later in the week will do a better proof.
It’s great to be carving blocks and look forward to getting some interesting results.
Well every time I head out my backyard there is always something that catches my attention. Yesterday afternoon I was busily doing my boring chores when I spotted the wheel barrow. Normally I would just walk pass it but I remembered I needed to take it up to the house as I thought I could use it as a bath to soak the labels off the beer bottles. We’ve been collecting bottles for the mosaic project but need all the labels removed.
Anyway I went over to the barrow and it was full with gidgee wood, left over from the campfire we had the other weekend. And it had filled with water from the rain we got the other day.
That’s when the I spotted the amazing brown colour of the water. The tree tannins had leeched into the water turning into a beautiful rich brown.
My creative brain straight away started wondering if I could use this water to paint with. I’m not sure if it could work but I grabbed a jar and saved a cup full. I’ll need to do some experiments and research but wouldn’t it be great if I could source and use that natural colour.
Out my front door as I walk hurriedly to the car, I hear the scrunching of leaves under my feet. Each day I look down and admire their beauty all the variety of colours as they transform from green to yellow and brown. Then they slowly crumble and fade back into the soil.
For some reason today I decided to pick one up and look a little closer, before I knew it I was creating patterns and shapes. As the sun shone on my back for two mins I was away with the fairies until my 2yr old came running past chasing the cat. Oh how lucky I am to living this beautiful life.
Attached are a few photos that I might try and sketch later today….
Well today starts my journey with the Wow program, I have an artist consultation at 3pm with the renowned gallery owner Jan Manton. So after writing and revising my artist statement, rewriting and revising again and again all week I have finally written a draft. Ive hassled my husband, friends and family and been a little grumpy with my kids but I am happy with what I’ve achieved.
Some times the simplest tasks can prove more difficult then first thought. I’ve have been questioning who I am, what do I actually do and lastly why?? Needless to say my brain is now fried. Anyway I’m looking forward to this afternoon and only have a few more hours to pace around. For those that are interested my latest draft is posted under Artist Statement on this website. Please let me know your feedback, its nice to get a variety of opinions. Wish me luck, and I will post how it went. x
Will about a year ago I made a conscious effort to incorporate Art back into my life. As a creative person you never stop these thoughts whether it’s making school lunches or even how you hang the washing but with a house full of young children I felt frustrated I wasn’t working on my Art. So rather then doing the housework first I decided to give myself some time to just be creative. This made me feel like a better person, a lot happier as it satisfied my need to create.
Anyway as the ebb and flow of my creative motivation continues I find myself a year later really loving this creative outlet. My facebook business page has grown, I sell work locally and am finding time to be apart or community art world as well.
Recently I became apart of a community project to do a mosaic in the Main Street which has started really well. Only getting back from the workshop on the weekend I am so inspired.
But to really start my career with a BANG I’ve been accepted into the WOW- Way out West artist development program. I’m so overwhelmed with emotions, excited, anxious and a little scared. Time has come to push myself, to further my art career and pull out all stops. I’ve always battled with a self confidence in my work but it’s the right time to get out there and just do it.
As the journey continues I will be documenting it here and giving you glimpses into my thoughts, processes and the ups and downs of life. Thankyou for interest in my journey and you are all are so much apart of my work. My work is a reflection of my life…..
Teena Severn Art 