Relief printing

I fell in love with collagraph printmaking as each step is part of an ever expanding work of multiple layers and possibilities, from the development of the plate that becomes it’s own work of art, to the use of intaglio printmaking where the textures are finally revealed, and then further developed with the addition of mixed media. My work with collagraphs began with the same technique I applied when painting with watercolors. Paint first, then use the shapes and textures found within to create a composition. For these collagraphs, I apply acrylic paint, gesso, various found objects, and discarded items to a matrix such as mat board or card board. The composition evolves in much the same way as one going for a journey where the only known is the origin. Interesting forms and shapes on the surface of the matrix are brought out, while others are cut away. Glues and varnishes are applied in areas to bring out highlights during intaglio printing. The composition grows and continues to change until the printing or the further development of details during addition of mixed media. Fascination with cyclical designs and flowing organic shapes appear in each work as I am directed by the explorative process of mark making and the employment of the unconscious. My process is greatly influenced by the grattage method created by early surrealist, Max Ernst, the biomorphic works of H.R. Giger, the action painting of Jackson Pollock, and the collagraph works of Peter Wray and Judy Collins. My goals as an artist are to continue to create for the joy of it and encourage others to do the same. By recording the creation of each work and sharing it, I desire to promote art as a journey and not a destination, an adventure where the outcome is not known, a tactile escape for those like myself who need to touch everything, and for us with ADHD minds, a calming therapy.