Alternative Processes and Moving Backward To Go Forward

So. I had some technical challenges with DTP photogravure. Mostly of my own making. I decided I could have a better process with more consistency and simpler materials handling. So I took apart my own workshop, and started experimenting. What I thought was going to take a weekend has now just tipped over 8 months. I'm not sad...I was discouraged and tired and bored at times, but it ended up being good time. However...I lacked a creative outlet so I did what any self-respecting teenager did - I went to the IG for insparation. What did I find?

So many funny cat videos. Some terrific artists. LIKE TERRIFIC. so many working under the radar just sharing 30s of themselves at a time. I wanted to buy so much.

I also stumbled on monoprinting with gellplates (gelli arts if you need to know but I'm about to make my own now too). I won't bore you with the craft and tech details - if you care you can check out my insta or simply search for the tages #monoprint #gellplate #gelli and many many more.

TLDR. paper. paint. photographs into photocopies. messy, loose, fussy. But a ton of fun. I dug into my camera collection and made some pop-style prints. The result? I've creatively invigorated and have THROWN myself at my photogravure practice and now look actively at the world again like I haven't since pre-pandemic.

Go do something dirty or rough or quick or colourful but something you can just do. Go make. I'd forgotten how good making feels - projects can take a long time and the making is spread out and can get muted behind technical challenges and day jobs and kids and tv and well...go make. And if you like the work, maybe drop by the online shop and grab a T. I don't make a ton, but it would be awesome to see my work in the wild!