Paper Bird: Permanent Maker Resist Aluminium & Copper Sulphate Etching

Welcome to my blog.

Paper Bird is an exhibition of artworks using non-toxic intaglio printmaking, drawing and collage that represents a mutual interest in symbolic and aesthetic qualities of birds and their habitats.  

The previous post included pictures taken of one of my Aluminium plates with an image drawn using  permanent marker acting as a resist for etching.

I placed the Aluminium plate in the acid for 2 minutes before removing and carefully washing off the iron accretions. I was careful to evenly wipe off any sediment with a soft sponge making sure to remove all streaks, the steaks are built up sediment which can also act as a resist and be visible when printing, taking care not to wipe off the permanent marker.

I then applied shellac to cover areas of the permanent marker that were to remain white. The marker will start to lift (foul bite) quite quickly once re-submerged in the acid.

I then placed the Aluminium plate back in the Copper Sulphate etch until I was happy with the depth of bite.

If you have tried this method of etching before let me know as I would love to hear about how the plates turned out.

To be continued.....

Warmly,
Jo Lankester

P.S Paper Bird 27 May-3 July 2011 Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts 482 Flinders Street, Townsville

Paper Bird: Plate Creation Using a Permanent Marker as a Resist for Aluminium & Copper Sulphate Etching

Welcome to my blog,

Whilst creating the plates for our exhibition Paper Bird I found an interesting method of using a permanent marker to creating wonderfully rich and stark aquatint etchings using permanent marker, Aluminium and Copper Sulphate Etch.

To be continued..................................

Warmly,
Jo Lankester

Paper Bird: Jo Lankester & Hannah Murray Exhibition Rational

Paper Bird

Paper Bird is an exhibition of artworks using non-toxic intaglio printmaking, drawing and collage that represents a mutual interest in the symbolic and aesthetic qualities of birds and their habitats. 

Birds assume a variety of roles in mythology, religion and art including freedom, wisdom, spirituality, peace and mortality, and are often associated with journeys beyond ordinary experience. Hannah Murray considers the ambiguity of bird symbolism – specifically the dove, the owl and the crow. Indirectly inspired by stories of faith and folklore Murray’s body of mixed media work also represents retrospection and sense of self.

Jo Lankester explores her sense of place using the aesthetic qualities of line and texture. Layered complexity of marks and tone convey snippets of observation drawing from feelings, memory and intuition to create the compositions.

This body of work depicts a multitude of meanings for Lankester who draws inspiration from the common interest shared with Murray of birds and nests creating pieces that emerge from subconscious symbolism and aesthetic. Lankester takes you on a visual journey exploring personal change, freedom, loss and new beginnings.

The collaborative pieces in the exhibition bring together the individual styles of each artist symbolising their common shared journey - one of personal change, transformation and artistic freedom. The process of working in collaboration, a first for both artists, has been an unexpectedly positive and inspiring experience. 

Paper Bird 

Jo Lankester & Hannah Murray

Exhibition Opening 7pm Friday 27 May 2011

Exhibition Duration 27 May-3 July 2011

Artist Talk 7pm  Tuesday 31 May 2011 

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

482 Flinders Street, Townsville

(07) 477 7019 | www.umbrella.org.au

The collaborative prints were created at Jo Lankester's studio, Brush & Press Studio 375 Flinders Street, Townsville 
Brush & Press Studio is possible thanks to the Renew Townsville Initiative http://www.renewtownsville.com

Paper Bird: Jo Lankester & Hannah Murray Exhibition Invitation 7pm Friday 27th May 2011