Monotype Description

Monotype offers the artist and beginner alike an alternative to technical and laborious printmaking methods. At the start it is a simple process which provides a means for immediate expression and exploration and gratification. With a bit of experience this approach becomes complex and engaging. For these reasons it reemerged as a popular printmaking process during the 1970's and 80's, although in the past artists from Castiglione to Degas used this approach to image making because of its spontaneity as well as for its distinctive effects.

In the simplest of the many approaches, found natural materials such as leaves, ferns or any flat materials are laid on a Plexiglas plate rolled with printer's ink. Dampened paper is placed over these and then this is rolled through an etching press to transfer the ink onto the paper. The results are surprising in their beauty. Usually additional prints can be produced from one inking of the plate called cognates. In another approach, direct painting on the plate is transferred to paper to create more than one image of the original. These and many other methods and combinations of processes offer countless possibilities for discovery and creativity especially when working in nature with the materials and inspiration it offers us. In a week's time a gratifying number of prints can be produced including a number to trade with class members. Curating techniques will also be taught.

Barbara Manger