Well. I’ve smacked into a metaphorical wall.
For two years I have been flowing happily along, thrilled with carving and printing.
In the print of Mount Robson shown above – one of my first – I was so charmed by the process that I embraced and loved all of the little inconsistencies.
Sure, as I continued there were little signs of trouble – that oily halo on that one series of prints, or that top layer of ink that never seemed to fully dry. But mostly I ignored these things and eagerly moved on to each new print.
Now that I’m considering opening an Etsy shop, I’m suddenly experiencing a strong desire to figure out the technicalities. If I’m selling a print, I need to be as confident in its structural qualities as I am in the image itself.
This is a good thing!
It does feel a little bumpy, though. I’ve left the euphoric delirium of new love and arrived at the place where it feels a little like work. And like any relationship, this one is unique and requires experimentation to successfully navigate. What has worked for others may or may not work for me, so I will need to do some first-hand research.
Right now, there are a number of tests happening and planned in my studio. For one single-colour print (the deer skull shown), I’m trying (on Stonehenge paper):
- Akua Intaglio Mars Black
- Akua Intaglio Carbon Black
- Daniel Smith Water Soluble Lamp Black
- Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink in Black
- Akua Intaglio Carbon Black with Akua Mag Mix
- Akua Intaglio Carbon Black with Kama Cobalt-Zirconium Dryer
To be honest, this experimentation is not my favourite thing. I would rather just get on with drawing and carving something new. But I’m in it for the long run. I can’t run away or ignore the bits that aren’t working. Now is the time to fight and persevere and muddle forward.
“The best way out is always through” – Robert Frost