Etchings and engravings

My intaglio prints are created from copper or zinc plates.  Intaglio is a process where ink is trapped within lines or marks on a metal or plastic plate, as opposed to relief printmaking such as lino, where the idea is to cut away the areas you don't want to print.  I currently use two methods, the simplest being drypoint engraving.  This is where the surface is scored with a fine needle, which throws us a "burr" either side of the scratch, rather a like a plough turning soil in a field, only much smaller.  The burr then holds onto the applied ink, creating the image which is transferred onto damp printing paper under high pressure, using an etching press.

The second method uses chemical etch - each layer is masked off and bitten away by immersion in acid, a method known as Intaglio Aquatint.  This is an extremely difficult and lengthly process, but very satisfying when completed.  I am currently in the process of improving my technique and experimenting with some new materials, and when complete will be able to publish more prints here on the website.

In the past my themes have been trees, leaves, bark and wood.  I use a mix of brown and black ink to create a sepia-style image.