Etching

Some of my etchings have been made using traditional intaglio etching methods and more recently I’ve been experimenting with non toxic methods including photopolymer and dry point.

With intaglio printing, an acid resistant wax ground is rolled onto a metal plate (generally zinc or copper) then with a sharp needle I draw into it. Once the plate is placed in the acid the exposed area is etched.
Sometimes I also add an aquatint whereby the plate is placed in a box and dusted with powdered resin. Different tones can be achieved using this method.

Dry point etching can be fun and quick as you draw directly onto a metal or plastic plate. More pressure is generally necessary to scratch lines effectively into the plate. This approach is ideal for smaller editions.

WIth Photopolymer etching, photographic and hand drawn images are printed or drawn onto a plastic sheet and transferred onto a plate using UV light sensitive film or emulsion.