Before I start creating and printing my collagraph, I wanted to introduce the process in a basic, straightforward way. I will also be posting pictures of the process as I go along.
Collagraphs are a printmaking
technique where the artist affixes materials that are thin and textured to the
plate or matrix. Once the materials are glued to the plate, the matrix is
coated with varnish or acrylic medium, so that the materials are protected from
the ink. Some materials used to achieve a variety of texture and depth in the
print include: paint, glue, leaves, fabric, cheesecloth, string, thread, rice,
tissue paper, and other similar products. An important thing to avoid is
attaching anything that is too thick because it can damage the paper or the
press when being printed. After the matrix has been prepared, and the varnish
has dried overnight, the plate is ready to be printed.
The
printing process for a collagraph is similar to the inking of an intaglio. Spread the ink onto the plate from the middle
to the edges using a scrap of mat board, rub the ink into the grooves using a
tarlatan cloth, and then remove excess ink with flat sheets of phone book
paper. When the plate has been inked up, it is ready to be printed, place the
matrix on the printing press bed, lay the paper on top of it, gently place the
blankets over it, and roll it through the press.
So there it is, a simple run
through of the process, just so you can begin to grasp the terms and procedure of
creating and printing a collagraph. Hopefully along this journey, your comprehension
and understanding will develop and you might even be able to do one yourself.
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