ANNE JOHNSON

EXPLORING THE COLOR INSIDE: monotypes

mono = ONE
type = OF A KIND

This body of work represents my very first experiments layering colored inks on a plate to make multiple prints on the same piece of paper. My intent was to simply play with color and see what forms, textures and hues emerged.

While working with two sizes of copper plates, certain divisions of space and shapes naturally presented themselves and these two themes came into being. The smaller size invited a grid-like structure, whereas the slightly larger plate took on a more human form. I worked in a series playing with one theme at a time. Each new layer of color and shape was a spontaneous response to the previous image pressed on the paper. I couldn't resist making a few stencils so I could quickly repeat some of the forms that had emerged, but no one print can be exactly re-created.

The interaction and layering of color in printmaking is new to me, as my BFA is in painting. Wonderful surprises happened, but on the other hand, some layers actually obliterated the very images and color I was excited about. So, I had plenty of practice letting go and taking the risk of loosing something to gain the unexpected pleasures.

In essence, the monotypes are improvisations on the two themes.

All Prints made with Akua Intaglio ink on BFK Rives 2010 with Archival Framing.

Click on image to see detail (anne.johnson11@verizon.net):