Charcoal Printmaking Project
Charcoal printmaking is my new thing. I always seem to need a ‘new thing’ creatively, even though the urge to learn and innovate can slow down the art making.
I’ve made my peace with this little conundrum – I know myself well enough to allow for time spent on the edge of failure or disappointment, for the promise of a new discovery. I know I’d get bored very quickly if every drawing felt like repeating myself.
Can I transfer a charcoal drawing using a gelli plate?
So my studio project for last autumn was to explore the potential for transferring charcoal drawings via a gel plate. I investigated the range and depth of mark making it offered, the possibilities for layering and combining drawings, making a series from one reworked drawing, tested the extremes of the materials.
I got properly carried away and made more than 70 prints in my Big Studio with Outer Spaces Scotland. I absolutely loved it – it was still drawing, still charcoal, still very me, just with that extra excitement I needed to make the work feel fresh.
My next steps this winter are to incorporate what I’ve learned into a new body of work for a spring exhibition. I’m also teaching a workshop on the technique on Jan 18th in Edinburgh, and considering offering an online version too, so let me know if you might be interested.
