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Newsletters>
Pictograph Newsletter for June 7, 2010
June 6, 2010
Chris Spilchuk
Brian Holden’s Wilderness: Studies from Northwestern Ontario continues at the Pictograph Gallery until June 26, 2010. Brian has filled our walls with forty-five prints, each one spectacular in imagery and colour. From his image entitled ‘French Lake’ to ‘Downy Woodpecker’ I am sure viewers will choose many favourites. His printmaking explorations have included many different techniques, which are explained below.
Serigraph or Silkscreen Print
A form of printing in which a stencil is made on a fine mesh fabric screen that acts as a support. The stencil can be made from a number of materials including paper, handcut transparent films, painted on liquid resists and more recently light sensitive emulsion coatings which allow one to produce high contrast photographic derived images. Ink is passed through open areas of the stencil which is deposited on paper below using a sharp edge rubber or plastic blade, called a squeegee.
Relief print
The image if printed from ink rolled with a rubber or plastic brayer onto the raised portions of a carved, etched, or cast block from rigid materials such as wood, linoleum, or another flat surface. The printing surface stands in relief above the rest of the block and the ink lies on the top of the block, and is transferred to the paper under light pressure.
Intaglio
This refers to a process in which an image that has been cut or etched into the surface of a metal, plastic, or board plate made by printing using extreme pressure between the plate surface and the paper. Ink is forced into lines and textures in a plate, after which the top surface of the plate is wiped clean leaving the ink in the recessed area.
Photopolymer
This technique is relatively recent and is a non-toxic alternative to the traditional acid bitten plate type of etching. It is basically a thin steel plate prepared with a light-sensitive polymer surface. It works like a photograph – a transparency is placed on the plate and exposed to a light source. Everywhere light touches the plate, the polymer hardens while unexposed areas remain soft and water-soluble. The plate once exposed, is developed in a water bath that rinses away unexposed areas. A final exposure to the sun or in an UV light exposure unit hardens the final image. The plate can then be inked and printed (preferably with a press) in the usual fashion. Plates can also be used for relief printing.
‘In the past couple of years concerns about use of materials harmful to an individual’s health have led me to incorporate the use of non-toxic materials and studio procedures both in my own practice and in the workshops I conduct with others.’
We are fortunate that Brian is willing to teach others the craft of printmaking during a workshop to be held June 25, and 26th. If you are interested contact the Gallery at 597-4344 or Andrea Allison at 597-2554.
Other works of Brian’s can be viewed at his website: www.brianholden.com, and as usual you can check out Gallery events at www.atikokanpictographgallery.com.
Thank you for stopping in to see our Gallery and Gift Shop.
We hope you enjoyed your visit and will return.
The Pictograph Gallery - Atikokan Ontario - 1-807-597-4344
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