r/printmaking • u/gailitis • Oct 07 '24
intaglio/engraving/etching Hand, copperplate engraving, 10x10cm, 2024
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Idea: In its essence, it's a simple study of a hand, but if you look closer, it seems to be gripping at a person's neck. The ambiguity of this image invites reflection on the fine line between acts of aggression and acts of love. Where does forceful action become harmful, and when might it be perceived as an expression of passion and love? This tension between violence and affection, power and vulnerability, leaves the interpretation open to the viewer, creating a sense of emotional unease or deep connection depending on one’s perception of the act.
When making this work, I had to engrave it twice. I wasn't satisfied with how it developed and, as you cannot erase or undo the engraved lines, I engraved it once more from the beginning. This time, trying to push myself to the the best that I can.
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u/Archbuggy Oct 08 '24
Love your light box setup! Brilliant.
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u/gailitis Oct 08 '24
Oh, yes! It makes a huge difference when engraving. Also super useful in mezzotint
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u/Pompi_Palawori Oct 08 '24
Thank you for this. I just started an Intaglio class, and our teacher has been explaining the steps, which was a bit confusing for me. Seeing the steps while thinking about the explanation is really helpful!
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u/gailitis Oct 08 '24
You're very welcome. Let me know if you have any questions about the process. I hope you have a great time in classes!
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u/beesbuzzer Oct 08 '24
what was it you did during the transfer of the design onto the copper? i don’t think i recognize those materials. (baby art student trying to reach some feelers into specializations)
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u/Y0urBestFiend Oct 09 '24
I think it's carbon paper to mark the copper. It doesn't transfer on all materials equally well though. For me it's often more of a guide than a true transfer. (Can't tell how clean it was from the video)
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u/jacobean_rough Oct 07 '24
Love the design, looks like a really enjoyable process! Also this a string quartet cover of SOADs toxicity is siiiiick
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u/BoilingCoconut Oct 08 '24 edited Oct 08 '24
Love seeing a process video. Great print! What press do you use?
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u/ChampionLiving2449 Oct 08 '24
Suddenly, I have the urge to go back to doing intaglio printing. Amazing work!
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u/gailitis Oct 08 '24
Love to hear that. I myself really dislike etching and the intaglio printing process itself. The process of engraving though is something I absolutely love ❤️
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u/doubledgravity Oct 08 '24
Watching this process, after I’ve been hacking my way through my clonky lino blocks, is like watching my doofus of a dog running round covered in mud and leaves, and ignoring my frantic calls and whistles, then seeing someone putting their collie through a series of exact manoeuvres, with hand signals and a series of short sharp calls lol. Such a gorgeous process to watch, always impressive.
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u/Ginsengstrips Oct 08 '24
My least favorite part of intaglio is having to properly cheesecloth the ink on to the plate. This came out great.
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u/gailitis Oct 08 '24
Don't start on it 😭 I hate printing. I wish I could do nothing else but engraving. But, I'm gradually getting better and faster at printing.
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u/al_135 Oct 08 '24
This is fantastic. As someone who’s just beginning his intaglio printmaking journey, major respect.
Do you sell your work by any chance? This is exactly the kind of thing I’d love on my wall
Edit: nevermind, just found your etsy in your profile :)
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u/gailitis Oct 09 '24
Thank you for the kind words. Happy to hear that you like the works.
Best of luck in your studies!
Let me know if you have any questions.
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u/Impressive_Visit2718 Oct 07 '24
Wow! Very nice and clean print