This week, the theme for the Creative Challenge at Slamseys Journal has been “A different perspective” so I’ve spent the week trying to look at things differently.
When your daughter buys gin in 1000 litre IBCs, taking out the empties takes on a different perspective.
This field of beans looks quite different when viewed from the ground, instead of looking across the field. Not quite Jack and the Beanstalk.
Sketching on a small scale, looking at detail and trying zentangle.
I’ve tried a different way of printing. Instead of my random jelly printing, I’ve been lino printing. In my head I can execute a beautiful print, but my planning is poor and I fudge lines when I draw the design onto the lino, somehow thinking that I can work it out as I go. Believe me, it doesn’t work. At least, not at novice level. This time I was determined to do it properly. I sketched, transferred the print to the lino and even painted in the sections to be cut out. Sadly, my cutting didn’t quite tally with the lines and I discarded the lino. I made another attempt but realised that my design was just too fiddly. I quickly drew a simple design freehand onto a new lino block, cut it out and made some prints. It’s very simple, but it works.
As I was in “different perspective” mode, I made a monoprint using the lino block on the jelly plate and then another lino print on top, which gave some mixed results.
And then I embellished some jelly prints, which I wouldn’t normally do. I don’t love the technique but it’s good to try something different. I found the easiest way is to photo the print with my ipad and then use a paint program to draw in the details. That way, when I make a hash of it I still have my original print.
Try the Slamseys Creative Challenge! I say challenge, but that’s a very loose description as it’s just some ideas for being a bit creative over the summer (or winter depending on where you live). Read about the challenge at Slamseys Journal.
A different perspective triggers a voyage of visual discovery in so many ways. I love your prints and am slightly relieved that even you with considerably more experience at printing than me find that things don’t always go according to plan. I love printing but find that it can have an odd kick to its gallop – ideas that seemed very promising can go badly awry and ideas that seemed less inspiring or unadventurous originally can suddenly come to life. But there’s not always much warning of which will be which! I particularly like the soft green colour of your flower print. What inks / paint are you using, if you don’t mind my asking? E x
I love your expression “an odd kick to its gallop” – it sums up printing very well! The inks are Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks that I buy from Handprinted.co.uk. Be warned Elizabeth! It’s a website full of enticing art things.
I love your linoprints, Anne. Really gorgeous. I’ve not done any printing or any art for a few months now – always something more pressing to do. I must try to make time to do something arty over the summer with my daughter as she loves it too. Good idea to use your iPad.
Thanks Sam. I used to love doing arty things with my children over the summer and nowadays there’s so many more things to do. Have fun.