Printmaking on the Go...
I'm making my last arrangements and preparations for the upcoming UFOs Over Lubbock event on October 2nd (see event page for details.) For the longest time, I've wanted to see how I could utilize a small, portable printmaking mechanism for pop-up events and demos. It occured to me that I might be able to use a tortilla press to serve as such a vehicle. Turns out I was right! I know I'm not the only person to come up with this solution, but I did have to try it out for myself. I acquired an adjustable height tortilla press, which accomodates various thicknesses depending on my printing block material. I carved a small graphic of Buddy Holly out of Speedball's soft carve material to make on-the-spot prints during the 'UFOs' event. It's been awhile since I last made a linocut print, but the whole process was fun and worthwhile. Thankfully, I had to make very little edit carves to the block as I made test prints.
The tortilla press is designed similarly to traditional block printing presses, so there isn't much of a difference. I have a limited footprint at this size (7" in either direction comfortably), but I enjoy working this size. I have some background graphics to screen print for these (will measure 4" x 6" when all is said and done) and then will print Buddy's head as the final layer live while at the 'UFOs' event. It should be a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Once I get a good feel for the tortilla press, my next challenge is to use a pasta maker to print with. Who says you can't play with your food? Or, at least your food-making equipment?
Comments