Friday, May 20, 2011

More Gelatin Plate monoprinting

In preparation for filming my workshop dvd for Interweave I needed to create samples of the various techniques I would be demonstrating on-camera.  One of my workshop segments is showing how one tool can be used in a variety of ways.  The following images are using using a gelatin plate to create monoprints, and the same tool is subsequently used as a stamp.  


 Recipe to create a 9x12 gelatin plate:
6 tablespoons gelatin powder
1.5 cups cold water
1.5 cups hot water (almost boiling)

In a pan, place the cold water and add the gelatin.  Mix until it is well-blended with water.  At this point it will be very thick.  Gradually add the hot water and continue stirring until the gelatin is dissolved.  Try to remove any bubbles on the surface.
Place in a refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.  The gelatin sets up quickly.
Carefully remove from the pan.  If you have a disposable pan, such as the one in the image, you will need to avoid working on the bottom side of the gelatin because it will pick up the marks of the pan.
bok choy leaf

used as a stamp (left) and monoprint (right)
printed on cotton broadcloth

bottle lid (left) as stamp and monoprint, gum packaging (right) as gelatin monoprint
printed on cotton broadcloth

what do you think this is?

hand-carved stamps on old book pages
(gelatin monoprint)

hand-carved eraser stamps used as stamp over gelatin monoprint
printed on paper

2 comments:

  1. Wow I all the different types of textures and prints. Who would of thought of using a vegetable as a print? But it works in professional hands. I know if I tried it wouldn't look that good. You have a superb gift.

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  2. Thank you, Shelley. I encourage you to play around with this technique. It is so much fun to discover a variety of tools that work well on the surface of a gelatin plate! Please let me know how it goes, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

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