13.11.20 - Making a Collagraph Plate

To make a successful collagraph, I learnt that its best to make subtle marks rather than using really thick textured materials, so I cut some squares of paper and made samples with different folds and creases, so I could choose my favourites to cut shapes out of for my collagraph. From left to right, I would describe them as:

• concertina
• scales
• scrunchy
• radiating 
• spider web
• grid

For the next set of samples I experimented with masking tape because I found it really effective in my embossed print. The words I would describe each one again are:

• wrinkles/veins
• torn edges
• wavy 
• mosaic
• tree bark
• bandages

To get an idea of the marks these might leave, I used the technique of graphite rubbing again because I really enjoyed it last time. I think the results are quite interesting because not all of the lines showed up as much as I thought they would so there is an ambiguity about it, but the mosaic one is probably the clearest and it gives me a historical vibe because I see cobblestones in it like an old street - and more obviously, mosaic itself has been used artistically for thousands of years. 

I chose some of the squares and cut out some approximated insect shapes based on my own photographs, and applied them to grey-board which I stuck sellotape around the edges to create a border where the ink might not stick. I think the ones I cut out of the folded paper were less effective because a lot of the creases smoothed out just through the process of handling and sticking them down, but the masking tape ones retained all of their texture. This could still work out because the paper ones might have a more solid effect to contrast with the masking tape shapes, in a similar way to the cardboard spiral against the wrapped one from yesterday.

To add a background pattern, I used my craft knife to carve wavy lines moving between the shapes in quite an aerodynamic fashion, with some long lines and some dashed which remind me of Van Gogh's iconic brushstroke style, so I'm looking forward to seeing if this comes out well or if it would have been better to leave the background solid and plain. My next step will be to varnish the plates, which may take up to a week to fully dry.