process
LITHOGRAPHY is a printmaking process that involves drawing on a flat polished slab of limestone or aluminium plate, with greasy crayons or liquid tusche ink. The process works on the principle that oil and water repel each other, so that once the stone or plate is processed, ink receptive areas 'absorb' the drawing, while ink repellent areas remain blank. This allows the artist to draw directly on to the stone, capturing marks and textures applied directly by hand. No carving or incisive needle etching is involved. Lithography dates back to the 1800's and is now considered a heritage printmaking process in the UK.
Drawing has always been at the core of my creative output, and lithography, particularly stone lithography is the most direct and expressive method of printmaking that allows me to explore this discipline. I am endlessly thrilled with the variety of marks that can be made using the stone and plate - whether it be velvety graphic lines, textural transfers and my particular interest - tusche washes, that dry in stunning reticulated membranes.
Lithography is a challenging printmaking process, with often unpredictable results, which forces and encourages the artist to adapt and engage with the complex material behaviours at work. Every lithograph is a journey, where the artist must apply patience and perseverance with the slow moving chemical process. I value this time of contemplation and commitment, in a world where speed, and immediate gratification is prized over quality and experience. Working in Stone Lithography – I guess is, an escape from this and offers for me a precious and considered relationship with the material and my creative intentions.
Drawing, whether in dry or wet media on a freshly grained stone is unequalled, in my mind, to working on any other surface. I relish the natural organic matrix, with flaws and individual characteristics, with which one must become familiar and work with, not against. Lithographic stones are a constant wonder to me; formed thousands of years ago in the Jurassic period and containing within them a compressed embodiment of evolution and time. As someone with a deep concern and love for the natural world and as a voluntary conservationist, it matters to me that I work with as little environmental impact as possible. I value the fact that the lithographic stone is a sustainable material which is used over and over again, their longevity is a real asset to the process.
my thoughts on lithography
Drawing has always been at the core of my creative output, and lithography, particularly stone lithography is the most direct and expressive method of printmaking that allows me to explore this discipline. I am endlessly thrilled with the variety of marks that can be made using the stone and plate - whether it be velvety graphic lines, textural transfers and my particular interest - tusche washes, that dry in stunning reticulated membranes.
Lithography is a challenging printmaking process, with often unpredictable results, which forces and encourages the artist to adapt and engage with the complex material behaviours at work. Every lithograph is a journey, where the artist must apply patience and perseverance with the slow moving chemical process. I value this time of contemplation and commitment, in a world where speed, and immediate gratification is prized over quality and experience. Working in Stone Lithography – I guess is, an escape from this and offers for me a precious and considered relationship with the material and my creative intentions.
Drawing, whether in dry or wet media on a freshly grained stone is unequalled, in my mind, to working on any other surface. I relish the natural organic matrix, with flaws and individual characteristics, with which one must become familiar and work with, not against. Lithographic stones are a constant wonder to me; formed thousands of years ago in the Jurassic period and containing within them a compressed embodiment of evolution and time. As someone with a deep concern and love for the natural world and as a voluntary conservationist, it matters to me that I work with as little environmental impact as possible. I value the fact that the lithographic stone is a sustainable material which is used over and over again, their longevity is a real asset to the process.