That happened to me this weekend, when I took "Kitchen Lithography" at The Mill Paper + Book Arts Center in Rhinelander (WI). Yes, I know lithography isn't a form of relief printing, but it's printmaking and that's good enough for me! :)
Daniel Goscha, Executive Director for "The Mill", taught the class. He's spent a goodly amount of time perfecting this technique, too! It involves using non-toxic household items, like vinegar and vegetable oil, to make litho prints (instead of bitumen and caustic paste). The results are MAGICAL!!! I couldn't believe it when he used litho crayon on an aluminum foil plate, dipped it in a vinegar bath, et VOILA!! Just amazing.
Doing these classes has also forced me to practice drawing, something that has always terrified me. But I figure that, no matter WHAT I draw, it'll at least be my own style, right?
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| Here I am, nonchalantly drawing, like I've done it my whole life. :) |
And here is one of the prints from that plate! I used blue ink, which had a different viscosity than the black ink that was also available. Not precise, but I really dig how it turned out, especially for my first time. :)
I'm going to put it out there, because I want everyone to see it and hopefully it goes somewhere - I think that this would make a GREAT book idea!! The title, "Kitchen Lithography", is intriguing as it is, but when you get into the whole DIY aspect of it, and the fact that you'd pretty much have everything you need to make prints at home without much fuss at all, AND it's all non-toxic - well, what do you think? If you think this is a great idea, let Daniel know by posting "I think Kitchen Lithography should be made into a book!" on The Mill's Facebook page. :) Maybe if enough of us printmakers persuade him to do it, it'll be a go! I'd buy that book for SURE! :D
Very cool, Mel. Gorgeous tree. I've always been interested in printmaking and to use household stuff is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathi! This is RIGHT up your alley - I think you'd love it! :D
DeleteReally really cool Mel! It all sounds so interesting! Love the fact that its all natural. I pay more for the card stock I use for my cards too...but they are all recycled, use soy inks and the paper is made in the USA. That was important to me. I can't wait to see how you incorporate all of this into your new works. And once you get your portable printer I would love to take one of your classes. Actually I can't wait. God! I love Jan, Feb and March....so much to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! It's really fun to jury-rig a process to make it more environmentally sound - and WAY cheaper! :D
DeleteI love the feeling of finding a new passion. Kitchen printing sounds really interesting. It might put some ideas into my head........(like I need more ideas LOL)
ReplyDeleteOh, me too, Karen! This was such a neat class - it's just amazing what people think up!! It was so inspiring! :D
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