Etching is a process by which one can make multiple copies of an image. An image is drawn on a varnished metal plate with a needle. The plate is then put into an acid bath to etch lines in the plate where the metal has been exposed. The plate is then cleaned and ink rubbed into the etched lines. A damp paper is placed on the plate which is run through the press under great pressure to create a print.
When I started printmaking I discovered that etching presses are very expensive. Later, when I decided that I wanted to have my own press, I decided that I would try to make one myself. I drew up plans based on other presses that I thought were good. I got almost all the materials from the local metal scrapyard. The only materials that I bought new were the bearings, two shafts and nuts and bolts. I discovered that I could cut half inch aluminum plate on my table saw and turn ends for the rollers on my woodworking lathe. It came together quite quickly and works very well.
The stand on which the press sits contains all my printmaking supplies
The rollers are filled with high strength concrete grout to make the surface very rigid.
"The Madonna of Puerto Vallarta" The copper plate was created when I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico one Christmas. The print was made on my press in Vancouver.
Self Portrait - Woodcut Print - 20x14 in. The text is the first lines of a poem by Pablo Neruda about growing older.
Hand coloured Etching with Aquatint 12x10 cm. In 2012 Brigitte and I walked 250 km. of the pilgrim's route in Spain known as the Camino de Santiago.
Aluminum Plate Lithograph (Hand coloured) 35x50 cm. The three trees are a reference to Rembrandt's etching "The Three Trees", which may be a reference to the three crosses.
Drypoint - 10x8 in. A drypoint image is created by simply scratching an image into the surface of a metal plate with a needle. Ink is rubbed into the scratches and printed like an etching.
Monotype - 18x14 in. An image is created on a plexiglass plate with pigment using a brush/rag/fingers. A paper is laid over it and run through the press, transferring the image to the paper.
Monoype 16x12 in. The real me?
I go to Puerto Vallarta for dental work. On Isla Cuales there is a community print making studio that allows gringos to join. This plate was created there and printed on my press in my studio.
Etching with Aquatint - 6x8 in. My one grandmother was born on the Rindal farm near Lillehammer, Norway. The new road goes around the old gate.
Etching with Aquatint - 5x7.5 in. My summer cottage on DeCourcy Island near Nanaimo.