Dam Stairs (updated)

This is the first version of this photogravure (km73 polymer).  It's a little flat for my taste so I have reworked the digital version.  I like how dark it is, and think that the problem is that I applied the normal adjustment curve to an image that doesn't have many subtle gradients.  I think that the new transparency will have very little adjustment curve (just a bit to keep a separation between 80 & 90%).  High contrast and scratchy is the aesthetic of this industrial image so the characteristics of the sensitive KM73 plate will be perfect for it.

 

-------------------------------------

Update August 1, 2013

 

Different transparency, different UV exposure unit with different times, different (new) plate makes lots of difference....  ; )

 

This is good because the original capture (and what pulled me to take the photo) showed the linear highlights that danced around a dingy environment.  It was like an low-key HDR image right in front of me, in real life, without a bunch of digital tweaking.  I suppose that industrial settings can do that.

 

Daisies or Black Eyed Susans?

The fun with monochrome is that you really have to know the difference between the two while not relying on color differences.  

Rudbeckia Hirta

Tumbledown

photogravure looking northwest from the summit towards the notch in the cliff face where the Loop Trail emerges.  

Inking a la squeegee

Multi-color intaglio prints that use only one plate require extra care to prepare, wipe, and print.  Normally this is associated with inking "a la poupee" ("with the doll"), in which each color is applied with small hand-made "dolls" of tarlatan; one for each color.  I prefer to use squeegee cutoffs; whether they are cardboard or plastic.  So, since this water lilly was not prepared with little tarlatan dolls, but with little pieces of squeegee, then I consider it inked "a la squeegee".  

White Water Lily
(nymphaea odorata, nymphaea tuberosa)

The HAND (magazine)

http://thehandmagazine.wordpress.com/issue-1-july-2013/

The first edition of The HAND Magazine includes some of my work.  It is printed and shipping to subscribers now.  Click through to the website to see what they are all about.  I'm excited to be a part of the start of an exciting new venture of "printmakers and photographers whose work emphasizes the hand made"  (from The HAND Magazine's manifesto)

a better picture for you to appreciate the included image...

American Whitewater

http://www.americanwhitewater.org

Did You Hear?

or some such reference to a tree falling in the woods.......   (not quite sure what to name this intaglio polymer photogravure print)

A tree falling in the woods makes me think of the internet (bear with me a moment here).  A solitary tree, when it falls (or is felled), will make a noise.  The philosophical question is about whether or not anyone notices the noise, thus has their attention drawn to the event of the tree falling.  Imagine a deep forest, with many trees, and very few distractions.  Surely you'd hear a tree falling.  Now imagine the internet.  Millions of people are "heard" everyday, but do they really exist?  Or, is the white noise loud enough to deafen everyone else to the sound of a single tree falling?  I suppose if one were to pay close attention, then the tree would be noticed.

So, the book.  I'm waiting for some supplies to arrive this week.  While I wait, I'm going into the woods for a few days.  I might as well listen to the trees for a while, before I am called back to the cacophony of "civilization" that houses my studio space.  A step away from documenting and writing about this (polymer) photogravure process will give me the time to remember some things that I may find the need to include.  It will also allow me the space to figure out which steps are superfluous and which are important to think about and have while learning this process.  When I think about it now, this will be a good thing.

photomechanical printing book update

Working hard to keep this first edition affordable, I think that I can keep the price to $20 (or less, depending on the final edit size).

Instruction photos that are finished:
*  Photoshop and printing a transparency with an inkjet printer
*  Exposing the KM73 plate to a stochastic screen, image transparency, washout and heat setting.
*  Preparing plate, paper, and ink for printing.
*  Printing
*  Cleanup

I need to re-shoot some processes at the end of this week:
*  Finding a base exposure time for the stochastic screen and transparency.
*  Home made step wedge to make workflow-specific adjustment curves.
*  Some problem plates for a troubleshooting section.

One decision that I have to make soon:
*  What is the title of the book?