Photopolymer gravure print

 

The photopolymer gravure print is part of the green initiative for artists to use less toxic, earth friendly mediums. It uses a solar plate, which is a steel plate coated with a water soluble UV sensitive emulsion.


Using a digital camera, I photograph my subjects. Then process my raw files on the computer, printing a positive transparency with an ink jet printer. I double expose the solar plate in sun light or in a UV light box. First with an aquatint screen, and then my transparency. The plate is then rinsed in water, dried and hardened under UV light. This produces an Intaglio plate that I then ink and run through a hand press.


This process allows me to combine two of my favorite mediums, photography and
printmaking. I love the rich tones and exquisite surface it achieves.