Space for Gelatin Printmaking – How much do you need?

gelatin plate care / By /

 

© 2013 linda germain  This is how I set up my space for gelatin monotype printing.

One of the benefits of taking a workshop at my studio is that I give you lots of space to spread out and create.  Check out the class schedule here.

But is all that space necessary?  Can you make beautiful gelatin prints in a smaller space, with fewer materials?  I think yes!  But I am going to experiment with that idea for a while.  I am going to print at  home with less stuff.
© 2013 linda germain Mixing up 2 cups of gelatin
for printmaking.  See the video here.
So I found a foam meat tray from the trash bin and mixed up 2 cups of gelatin.
 I had to share the counter with the rest of the family.  I let it harden there and then transferred it to the refrigerator.
I found a good hiding place for it under one of the draws.
© 2013 linda germain Leveling the tray of gelatin
with a folded paper shim.

The counter top was not quite level so I shimmed the foam tray with a piece of folded paper.

I was very careful to slowly pour the gelatin in to the tray so that it did not dribble all over the place.  That can be quite a mess to clean up.

© 2013 linda germain  – Sightly frozen gelatin  for printing

I am not sure if you can tell from the photo, but my gelatin plate froze a little.

This can happen when the refrigerator it on a cold temperature, or if the gelatin is too close to the back of the refrigerator.

This freeze was not too deep so the plate is ok to use.  I just chipped off the ice and put some newsprint on top to absorb the moisture.

Sometimes those freeze lines can make interesting print marks.

© 2013 linda germain – small space experiment for
gelatin printmaking

So I have claimed this little table for some gelatin plate printmaking.  I don’t have to clean up or share it with anyone else.  The lighting is pretty good.

I made a 5″ x 7″ framing mat out of an old mat.

What is your workspace like?

Related posts:

    Simple way to try Gelatin Printmaking
    Gelatin Plates for every size project
    12 Tips for caring for Printmaking Tools
    Printmaking without the Gelatin Plate

5 thoughts on “Space for Gelatin Printmaking – How much do you need?”

  1. Roberta

    For me I will use up any and all space available………I have a tendency to spread out whether it is in my teeny tiny studio or a big giant class space. The art comes out no matter where I am………

  4. jackie

    Thank you for all the advice and videos on your blog. I had my first go this afternoon. My plate cracked and I am just about to try your microwave tip. I think I was too impatient and did not give it enough time to set, but fun results. I will keep going.

  5. linda germain

    Excellent Jackie – go with the flow. It can be a challenge to wait. I like to let mine plates harden in the refrigerator overnight. I think it helps. Share some pics on the flickr group or the Facebook page.

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