The weekend was a good time. Unusually for us we had no major or compelling commitments to anybody or anything during the day, so I had some lovely time in the studio trying this and testing that. To have that time without pressure is such a gift; my head wasn't racing; I wasn't pushing myself; I was able to pay attention to things and to think things through properly; and make notes!
It was a special time.
I haven't made anything, or created anything, but oh my, I have made progress.
First up, trying to see if typing without a ribbon will work for me. Also testing how heavy a paper can I get the roller to pull through? I hadn't realised that 300gsm paper would be very hard; that the width of the paper seemed to make a difference and so on. So I mucked about with lots of rolling on techniques and papers to see if it was even possible to contemplate the typewriter for a book
Gmund Cotton 300gsm goes through if it is narrow; but not if it is wide.
I do love it and think it will offer me something.
And then, testing embossing 300 gsm paper. I have been thinking I might like to print, letterpress and emboss a piece. And then I started thinking well, the paper I like to letterpress on, might not emboss well, so I'd better try that! Here are the results of placing the paper on the plate; and the plate on the paper as I put it through the etching press.
Also thinking about what sort of paper could handle going thought the etching press twice and the letterpress once without warping.
Some relief printing and embossing on 300gsm paper.
And then back to the typewriter and wondering if I rubbed graphite across the top of the typed words would that increase readability and interest?
I think it does...
All very muted tones; but I can imagine a splash or hint of red somewhere in the finished piece; although we are far far away from a finished piece...
It was a special time.
I haven't made anything, or created anything, but oh my, I have made progress.
First up, trying to see if typing without a ribbon will work for me. Also testing how heavy a paper can I get the roller to pull through? I hadn't realised that 300gsm paper would be very hard; that the width of the paper seemed to make a difference and so on. So I mucked about with lots of rolling on techniques and papers to see if it was even possible to contemplate the typewriter for a book
Gmund Cotton 300gsm goes through if it is narrow; but not if it is wide.
I do love it and think it will offer me something.
And then, testing embossing 300 gsm paper. I have been thinking I might like to print, letterpress and emboss a piece. And then I started thinking well, the paper I like to letterpress on, might not emboss well, so I'd better try that! Here are the results of placing the paper on the plate; and the plate on the paper as I put it through the etching press.
Also thinking about what sort of paper could handle going thought the etching press twice and the letterpress once without warping.
Some relief printing and embossing on 300gsm paper.
And then back to the typewriter and wondering if I rubbed graphite across the top of the typed words would that increase readability and interest?
I think it does...
Beautifully subtle as always. I love the way you've used the typewriter to imprint the paper
ReplyDeleteThansk Jac - the typewriter was such a joy, and it 'debosses' so beautifully!
DeleteThese are lovely!
ReplyDeleteSandy in the UK
Thanks Sandy - they are headed somewhere, not quite sure yet, but somewhere. If they don't appear in this body of work they will pop up somewhere else I am sure! Go well.
Deletethe graphite over the impressed text works so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful little extension of the idea mo - I have some great graphite powder and gently rubbed it across the face - magic!
DeleteWas the paper dry or dampened through the typewriter? It has worked well whichever means you chose and the layer of graphite is subtle but sublime. Looks like good quality play time if you ask me. My head is thinking what if you used white carbon paper to type with onto black paper etc or other coloured carbon papers. Now I want a typewriter... but I think I park that idea and leave it to the expert!
ReplyDeleteThe paper was dry Lesley (never thought to dampen it - now I might!). The graphite is so lovely isn't it - the way the ghost text appears...and now white carbon onto black paper - I might just give that a go! I pick up old typewriters at garage sales for a song - and am happy if they have no ribbon, cos I mostly don't want to type properly. I foresee a few trips to op shops and car boot sales in your future...grin!
Deletestunning what kind of a result you can get by typing without a ribbon! I love it !
ReplyDeleteSo good isn't it Annick? Especially as ribbons are getting harder to find these days and are a bit messy to put in place...go well.
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