Friday, October 14, 2011

Leaving Safety

Leaving Safety, etching
working proof
Ok, so by now most of you know that I am not the most patient person. This morning I was going to go to the print studio to print my editions for the two prints I am handing in on Tuesday. I arrived ready to go and found the studio filled with students from a beginning printmaking class. So, I decided to come back tomorrow and work when it's quiet.

I also decided that I couldn't wait until tomorrow to show you one of my prints. The photo is alright - it's only a working proof on newsprint. It combines three different techniques - a line etch, a soft ground pattern for the background and a spit bite aquatint (and a few hours of work...).   I love it!! Several times throughout the process I thought I had ruined it, but it turned out those "accidents" were all lucky ones! When I pulled the final version from the press, my breath caught for a second and I knew I had a keeper... 

I find it interesting that in drawing I work mostly realistically, in my paintings I have developed my own folksy style and in my etchings I now have the opportunity to develop my more abstract and edgy side. I think the materials lend themselves beautifully for abstract work. Add to that my love for layering, textures and surprises and I think I've found the direction I want to go in with etching. 

After I get my "good" prints done this weekend, I'll photograph them do another show & tell. 

But for now, I wish you a beautiful, peaceful and creative Friday!! 

P.S. The print reminded me of the quote I used in my very first blog post in March of 2009, and that's where the title "Leaving Safety" came from. Oh, how my life has changed since then...

10 comments:

  1. Your etching is wonderful!!!! It's so fun to watch you grow!! And I loved going back and reading your first blog post because I wasn't part of "blogland" back then!!

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  2. It's a beautiful piece, Silke. Very stark and dramatic! Happy weekend to you, too!

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  4. Oh, I love it too! AND how it relates to your first one. Perfecto.

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  5. Just amazing how the whole etching process works. I remember the photo of the plate, and how different it looked from this first pull!
    It must be wonderful~~go, girl, GO!
    So now I have to go check your first post, which I am sure I missed....
    Have a great weekend!

    XXOO~~
    Anne

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  6. you is an art-eest....

    i wish i understood this process better. i'll be learning as you go.

    happy weekend dear friend.
    kj

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  7. Liebe Silke,

    frohe Grüße aus dem sonnigen Bochum

    Angela und Elisabeth

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  8. Wow, girl, you've got range!!! Wishing you a fantastic weekend!

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  9. oh Silke I love this too! The title is perfect!

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  10. Love thinking about "leaving safety."

    We could all do so much if we didn't huddle in a safe harbor whenever scared.

    All joys,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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