Printmaking - Monotypes

This series began as an examination in shadows. Their stark two-dimensionality intrigued me; their flatness in a world full of dimensional forms. I have since broadened my scope to include all forms of inspiration. I begin with scenes that catch my eye: the landscape along the highway, the seas crashing against the shore, the snow on a windshield casting shadows on the dashboard. I visually flatten and reduce the setting, creating areas of color where fields, or buildings were initially located. Depth is implied through the use of color and the texture. Texture, also plays a principal role in my work; from the type of paper, or from collaged elements. I utilize a process known as chine-collé, a type of collage, where I adhere, Japanese papers, brown paper towels,, tarlatan, hemp fibers, or even cracker crumbs to a print.

As I work, I do not clean my plate. I leave the “ghost,” or remnants, of the prior print. This type of print, a monoprint, leaves attributions of the ghost on the new print. The remnants of the oil paint, the textured paper, the cracker crumbs, or hemp fibers have integral roles in the newly created work.