Collagraph Printing with Nickova Behling

Collagraph is in principal a type of mono-print using a collage technique. The printing plate is created by gluing a variety of (textured) materials onto a stiff piece of cardboard. The cardboard can also be scratched or perforated leaving marks which will show up on the print. It is often printed in a combination of relief and intaglio techniques. Colour and texture are the main source in making an effective print. Dense texture will provide darker surfaces; using acrylic media, glue and tape can add softer tones. The plate is sealed with varnish before inking it with (water based) printing ink. The method is experimental and playful, using a variety of texture and shapes to create a printing plate. Working with templates and chine-colle techniques (application of light paper to the plate) as well as inking the plate in different colours, can all add to the depth and expression of the print. The printing plate of a collagraph often becomes an aesthetic object itself and artists sometimes note it as an artwork in its own right.

(Brief slide show about Collagraph printmaking click here

The workshops taking place in Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland at Customhouse Studios.

Booking advised  at 00353 (0) 98 28735 or email: customhouse@eircom.net
www.customhousestudios.ie