Collude Washi Print
I’m working on some one of kind prints on specialty papers again. This print of Collude is on a very thin, holey Japanese washi paper. Making these prints is a time consuming and delicate operation. The paper has to be coated with a digital ground which will allow the pigment inks to adhere to the paper and provide an archival base. Coating this delicate paper requires a careful hand not to tear the paper while it’s wet.
After coating the paper is hung to dry. Then any wrinkles have to be removed through pressing. Some of the thicker papers are then ready to print, but the thinner ones like this have to be attached to a carrier sheet. Edges have to be curled back so the sheet will feed properly through the printer.
Once printed the carrier sheet has to be removed and the print left to cure for at least 24 hours. Another UV protective coating may then be applied.
I’m not sure whether this qualifies as an original print, or if it should still become part of the edition. I’ve done them both ways, but when I’ve called them an original I haven’t made any more prints of that particular image. For this one I made it part of the edition, but it will be the only one printed on Japanese washi paper. The rest of the edition will be printed to traditional papers or canvas.
on February 10, 2010 at 10:30 am
Permalink
Roberta, … now this is unique in the way that it is presented.
Very cool!
I imagine patience is certainly in high demand when working with this type of paper.
I have imagined myself working with certain rice papers, but I don’t think my “southern boy” attitudes would do well in that area!
Again, … excellent work!
Michael
on February 10, 2010 at 10:39 am
Permalink
Thanks Michael. Yes, patience is needed; and you have to be prepared for failure sometimes. Had one yesterday that didn’t turn out. Oh well….it’s a learning process!
on February 4, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Permalink
It’s wonderful Roberta, and works especially well it seems with this image.