Printmaking: Collagraphy

Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. The process is capable of producing multiples of the same piece, which is called a print. Each piece produced is not a copy but considered an original, since it is not a reproduction of another work of art and is technically known as an impression.

Prints are created from a single original surface, known as a matrix.

Collagraphy: Derived from the Greek word koll or kollo, meaning glue and graph, meaning the activity of drawing.

Collagraphy is a printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid surface such as cardboard or wood.

This surface (or matrix) can be inked with a roller or paintbrush This surface (or matrix) can be inked with a roller or paintbrush. The board is used to print onto paper or another material using either a printing press or various hand tools. The resulting print is termed a collagraph.

In collagraph printing, the plate is made by constructing a low relief collage with textures such as sand, grit, glue and textiles. The ink is rubbed into it and printed onto paper. Collagraphs give very textured prints and are ideal for abstract work.

Creating your own collagraph

Step 1: Design your surface (matrix). Thumbnail sketches on newsprint. Jute twine will be supplied for your matrix, but you may bring other textured materials (fabric, sandpaper, wire mesh, etc.) from home as well.

Step 2: Draw out design onto cardboard surface.

Step 3: Apply glue to a small section of cardboard surface following the sketched design. Trim out a piece of jute twine, apply to glue and hold in place.

Step 4: Repeat section by section until surface (matrix) is completed. Let completely dry.

Step 5: Make collagraph print: Apply paint to jute twine design, place paper over matrix, and go over paper with brayer (roller). Peel paper off matrix.