This piece is printed using a copper etching plate.
Intaglio etching is a labour intensive printmaking technique that involves incising the lines & dots onto a copper plate, with a sharp point. It is then etched in Ferric Chloride, which bites the design into the copper plate. This was repeated 4 times, along with 4 aquatint sprays (which create a tooth within the lines & areas of tone) Watercolour effects were created with spit-bite techniques, whereby Ferric is brushed onto the plate
Softer lines and marks were made in the background buy drypoint tools & abrasive leads.
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.
Please Note - Each print may vary slightly, as they are individually printed by hand.
