I knew this was going to be a pattern the moment I laid eyes on the prompt, but I didn???t want to do the usual digital pattern. I decided to make more work for myself and do some printmaking instead! I was more inspired by this video I came across on Instagram where this person transferred an image from printer paper (from a laser printer specifically) onto a rubber pad and cut out the negative bits. I was mesmerized! I wanted to try it out for myself, however, I first had to figure out what solution they used to transfer the image in the first place. I prayed that it wasn???t an expensive solution where I would have to travel to a specific art store to get some. Thankfully, I found out I could get the same effect with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Keep in mind, when you???re transferring I would do it in a well-ventilated room because those fumes were something else. Also, wear gloves. I forgot how much alcohol dried out your skin, I was lowkey worried the first time I saw my hands.??
The first attempts at transferring were pathetic and sad. The paper either tore, didn???t transfer at all, or got shifted in the process. Times like these I???m grateful I was cautious enough to print two copies of my mushrooms. In the end, it took generous amounts of nail polish remover and gentle yet firm rubbing from my bone tool. The transfers were successful in the end, but I realized this would probably be more ideal for larger-scale printing or images that don???t require fine detail. The rubber will pick it up, but at that point, my face was basically pressed against the pad trying to see any lines I might have missed.??
Using my linoleum carving set was a lot of fun. Without the constant pressure of a deadline I had back in school, the carving process was therapeutic, just make sure to have proper back support. Depending on the project you could be hunched over for days, luckily for me, it only took a couple of hours.
Now that the rubber blocks were all carved out it was time to ink! I even had the chance to record this process. Check out the video below!
After the inking, you can see in the video that I added in additional touches to where there would be shadows in the mushrooms. The piece was fine without it, but I felt I would be a lot more elevated with the extra dimension.??
Overall, even though this was a laborious process, it was a rewarding one. When I get the chance I would like to do some more block printing in the future I still have some unused pads left, not to mention I now have plenty of mushroom stamps. I might as well make use of the pads since I have them!??
Well, that???s all for now! Until next time!