Overview:
In this assignment we focused on different mediums and ways in printed matter. We are also required to create the designs through illustrating ideas that cam to our mind while reading about an ancient Myths or Legends. We began by focusing on monotype prints, then moved onto mixed media prints influenced by original moprints and then moved on to etching and drypoint prints.
Process:
From the given readings, we were required to select three of the short readings and create an illustration for it. However, for this we required to use three basic monoprint colours; Magenta, Yellow and Blue. For which I used a combination of water colours and ink.
Once we created our three basic sketches we were then required to create a mixed media illustration of using on of the above created sketches. For the mix media I wanted use explore different mediums in order to bring about different texture which would in turn bring about a variety of responses.
I decided to use the pieces influenced by Pandoras box. I recreated the basic sketch and have it popped out f the paper using double sided tape in order to create an illusion that makes it appear that she coming out of the frame as she opens he box.
For the background I used charcoal as a shading effect and splatters of black ink with a tooth brush to create a more mythical feeling. Using a mono print flat paint roller I was able to combine and layout an interesting texture using the same colour combination as seen below.
I also wanted to explore and focus on using simple middle school materials like glitter, a highlighter and a golden washy tape.I was able to adapt these materials in minimally into the piece to avoid it from being to loud but at the same time help emphasise on the figure.
The next correlated project was the dry point print. This technique was like using a a pen without an ink, it involved creating a an impression of a sketch by tracing over it using an etching pen tool. that is a sharp metal pen like tool. The tool helps in creating method that involves scratching an image into a plate, for which we used acrylic sheet. These lines create a burr that holds ink once the process of applying the paint was completed, a damp paper was brought and placed on top of the sheet and passed through a roller. The paper and the sheet are compressed together as they pass through the roller. This process allowed the paper absorb the paint and create an impression of the original etched out sketch as visible in the image below.
The process had to be repeated several times in order to generate the right quantity of paint that needed to be applied onto the acrylic sheet. This was caused an error mostly because if the there was to much paint then the details would disappear and if there was not enough paint applied then the paint would not completely transform an impression on to the sheet.
Reflection:
I think that the project provided a unique opportunity to focus back on print making. I also felt like this was an interesting topic to focus on, as with the rise of technology hand printed matter is slowly drifting away. Having the basic tools and ideas of how to hand print something brings about not only provides one with a new skill but also brings about a a different perspective to the art style.