Art supplies and your style

tools / /

The tag line I have at the end of my emails is “Use What You Have.” I like to think that we can do this in many areas of life including art making.

supplies to make the gelatin and glycerin plate

I think that it implies that the answers, skills and ideas may be with in each of us.

I love buying art supplies. And yet I really have more than I need. So I gently remind myself to use what I have.

box of pastels

When I am working on a project that calls for paint, ink, glue or paper that I don’t have, I often test the process with something that I do have. That way I can:

  • Get started right away
  • Save money and a trip to the store
  • See if I even like the process

double fan book by Linda Germain

Sometimes the “right” supplies do make a big difference. Some supply combinations that are important to me are:

  • Speedball water based block printing ink and the homemade gelatin plate – I like how they stay alive and how I can get the delicate marks that I like
  • Akua intaglio ink and the Pacon 90 lb sulphite drawing paper. I like how the ink stay wet and workable and is absorbed by the paper.
  • Lineco – PVA glue and any paper for making glued books. When I am patient enough to let things dry this glue is strong, flat and flexible.

Maybe you have supply combinations that work best for you. I think you should celebrate that. Those select tools could be one of the qualities that makes your work uniquely yours.

I invite you to test out your supplies and join me in the Bound Prints Workshop. Transform a pile of papers/prints into lovely journals and books. Read all the details on the workshop page.

double fan book by linda germain

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Working on multiple pieces at once

monotype print / /

I find it freeing to work on several pieces at once. That way I can go with the flow.

work on many gelatin prints at one time

And I can give each piece time to dry.

gelatin plate prints on the studio wall

Having space to lay out the pieces in progress is important. Because I work small it is pretty easy to spread 5 to 20 pieces around the studio.

screen prints on the clothesline to dry

When screen printing I use a clothes line system.

Gelatin monotype prints drying on foam core board

When gelatin printing I use over sized pieces of foam core.

handmade books with double fan binding

With book forms, I can usually get away with the 4 table tops in my studio.

Gel monotype prints in progress on the studio wall

Sometimes, I use the walls to admire work that is in progress or done.

screen prints drying on the studio floor

If necessary, I have even used the floor, when I was in production mode.

Do you work on several pieces at once? Do you have special ways to expand your work space to accommodate drying pieces?

If you would like to explore binding prints or papers into books with a glued double fan binding, then check out the details on the workshop page. Class starts soon. This is a great way to use your piles of gelatin prints.

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Binding prints into books

artist book, book arts, handmade books / /

I have so many gelatin prints, and I am always looking for ways to use them. For the past few months I have been using lots of prints to make small soft cover journals.

piles of gelatin prints

I have experimented with using a print every other page and also made books with just a few prints and more blank pages.

handmade gratitude journal

I used a few as a gratitude journal.

tiny handmade sketchbook

And another as a tiny sketchbook.

My nephew used his to practice his Japanese.

double fan bound note book

I did make a few with hardcovers. The hardcover does elevate the feel of the journal and is good if I am making a more precious book of prints.

handmade books with double fan binding

I like this book form because:

  • It is great for single sheet prints
  • It can be used for prints with inky/messy backside
  • It opens pretty flat
  • I can use up a lot of prints

If you would like to explore this book form, then join us in the online Bound Prints Workshop. Get all the details and register here.

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Creating when time is limited

monotype print / /

Do you want to make stuff and yet if feels like you just don’t have time? YES!

I think it is important that as creative people we find outlets for that urge to create something even when time is limited or motivation is lacking. Expanding my idea of what it is to create helps me fill my need to make stuff.

A few alternatives to my usual art making are:

  • Taking self portraits on my morning walk
  • Building a wilderness sculpture inspired by Andrew Goldsworthy
  • Making a photo collage or slideshow with recent images
  • Making repetitive marks on small strips of paper
  • Painting blobs of color
  • Walking around town with new eyes – looking for things I usually missself portraits

 

These activities are easy to fit into something that I am already doing like walking, downloading photos or sorting papers in the studio.

So I encourage you to look for ways to add a little creativity to your day even if you have a long to do list. Even if you simply open your eyes to seeing the every day in a new way, I think you will be inspired.

If you would like a class to keep you making things then check out the current online printmaking classes.

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Stencil Cutting Skills

monotype print / /

One of the key skills that we will be developing in the upcoming class, Hand Printed Cards with the gelatin plate, is stencil design and cutting.

Gelatin prints with tyvek stencils

I was inspired to improve my stencil making skills when I took a class with Beatrice Coron. She is a storyteller and paper cutter. Enjoy her Ted Talk below.

In the upcoming class we will be creating designs that are sturdy, connected and good for printing with on the gelatin plate. I like to use Tyvek® because it is very strong and pretty easy to cut. This allows me to pull hundreds of prints with one stencil.

Gelatin Monotype by Linda Germain

If you want to practice your stencil cutting skills then download and print out this pdf, Stencil Cutting Practice sheet. Remember to use a sharp blade and breathe. 🙂

The stencils that we will design and cut in class will be a little different than what I call the “hole” stencil.  They will be connected shapes shapes on a border, like paper cuts.

cut tyvek stencil for printmaking

If you think you might like to learn these skills, the check out the details of the online printmaking class, Hand Printed Cards with Tyvek® stencils and the gelatin plate and join us today.

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