Summer Printing Continues

I've really changed things up in the studio this summer. After the long Unfolding Life series of 2020, I wanted to try something different. You may recall from my last letter, that I am jumping into printmaking again. Printmaking is a long term love in my life, and I always meant to get back to it. Well, now is the time.

For some background. Printmaking – that’s when I went to U of M (Michigan) and took a class in intaglio printmaking/etching. I never turned back. I continued with Intaglio 1, 2, 3, independent study and whatever etching I could get my hands on – and montotypes incorporating intaglio.

It feels great to print again all these years later. I'm continuing with the gel plates I told you about. I'm able to pull colorful monotype prints using a variety of layered techniques. I've added linocut images over the top. I even got out my carving tools to create representational images for the first time in awhile.

Green Hawk, linocut over monotype

Look at this lovely experiment. I have been obsessed with hawks ever since I moved into this hillside home. I look out the window and I'm almost at hawk height. I have an awesome view of their flights and it keeps me thinking about the freedom of soaring above the world.

The studio is tumbling over with paints, printing inks, mark making tools, linoleum, carving tools and stencils - and that’s just printmaking. Then there’s the printed paper in preparation for collage and my monumental handmade and decorative paper collection. Scissors and shapes cut out and canvas waiting for the next treatment. And frames, quite a few, waiting for that perfect print to frame. Good thing I have a big studio.

It's the one thing I insisted on when I got married. I told Sam I need to have a studio no matter where we live. He agreed and has kept up with the promise - whether it's a tiny second bedroom or the majority of a large loft like basement. Having a studio makes me sane. Having a place to go to experiment, play, create, be myself, be alone. It is life changing.

Purple Layer, linocut over monotype

I've been doing lino-cuts (the black portion of this one) and printing it over the monotypes. This piece called Purple Layer hearkens back to my Layers series, something I spent years working on.

I will continue moving forward with my experimentation and re-working of the studio. I am still doing my large collage paintings as well. Now I just have more materials to work with - printed collage papers!

My Exhibit at Bird Dog Arts

If you're traveling up the 5 freeway from LA to San Francisco, or anywhere in between, stop and see my show at Bird Dog Arts. The show opened in July and will continue for the next couple of months. Plenty of time to see my art, and that of many other talented artists. My bio and info is on display here.