INTAGLIO (Etchings)
Intaglio is a method of printmaking where lines are incised
into a plate of metal or some other material. The lines can also
be created by etching: i.e. by using acid to eat away an exposed
area of material. The lines which are dug into the surface are
then filled with ink. The surface of the plate is wiped clean.
The plate is placed on a press. Paper (or some other material)
is placed face down on the plate. A covering called "blankets,
(which really do resemble blankets} are placed on top of the paper.
All this is run through the press at great pressure. Thus the
paper is forced into the etched or incised lines and picks up
the ink. Intaglio methods contrast with relief methods in which
the ink is placed on the raised surface.
"Land Series No.
11," copyright 1990 by Donna Fenstermaker
This example of the intaglio process is a drypoint, sometimes
called a drypoint etching. No acid is used--just a sharp point
drawn across a metal plate.
This is an etching by Joel
Beck, the famous underground cartoonist. This beautiful print
started out as a drawing by Mr.Beck, then was made into a photo-etching
by myself. Even though I made the drawing into a print, it is
still considered to be a Joel Beck etching. This is part of the
tradition of printmaking, ateliers and master printers, even though
I am far from being a master printer. I can still make my friend's
drawing into a print--with his permission.
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