Intaglio etching is a labour intensive printmaking technique that involves incising a design onto a copper plate, with a sharp point. It is then etched in Ferric Chloride, which bites the design into the copper plate.
The plate is then inked with etching ink with "À la Poupée” Technique. It is a traditional printmaking technique for applying multiple colours to a single printing plate. This method involves using a small wad of fabric, referred to as a "doll" or "dolly" in French, to dab different coloured inks into specific areas of the plate.
The plate is then inked with etching ink. The ink sits in the grooves, whilst the surface ink is wiped off. The ink is then drawn from the incised lines, onto dampened paper, using an etching press.
Each print takes a long time to produce.
These highly detailed, intricate plates ensure each print is unique, making every piece a true one-of-a-kind etching.
I print in small editions, keeping the work precious and limited.
Note - The technique often results in prints with rich, nuanced coloration and a unique, hand-touched, painterly effect, as slight variations in ink application can occur between prints. Each one will be slightly different.
