MONOPRINTS
March 2022 saw the launch of Tropical Monoprints onto my shop. I was inspired to make these prints after completing a painting course with Brighton based painter Denise Harrison.
WHAT IS A MONOPRINT?
Monoprinting is a form of printmaking where the image can only be made once, unlike most printmaking which allows for multiple identical prints. An impression is printed from a reprintable block in such a way that only one of its kind exists, for example by incorporating unique hand selected colours or shapes. The beauty of monoprinting lies in its spontaneity and its allowance for combinations of printmaking, painting and drawing media.
MY TECHNIQUE
I use gelli plates to make my monoprints. These are flat slabs of non-perishable gel that act as reusable printing surfaces. I apply acrylic paint to the surface with a roller or brush before spreading paper over the area to absorb the design. Various items can be used to create patterns, colour blocks and texture effects. I source uniquely shaped leaves from tropical plants to create impressions in the paint. I love adding hand finishes to the prints, sometimes squiggles and dots applied with a paint brush, or gold metallic highlights and shimmers.
WHY I LOVE GELLI PRINTING
Making gelli monoprints allows me a freedom which I do not find in my other work, where the process is very controlled and shapes and colours limited. Gelli printing is a constant experimentation and each creation can either lead to a beautiful print or something quite horrible that ends up in the bin. Quite often I find myself writing off a print session as a disaster and then coming back to the studio the next day with fresh eyes and realising that the prints actually look pretty good. The technique is addictive and very satisfying when it goes right. It is a great feeling knowing that every print is a one-off and I’ll never be able to replicate it.
SHOP ALL MONOPRINTS HERE
MONOPRINTING IN THE STUDIO
Watch a video of mono printing in the studio here…….