Try something new!
Trying a new technique as an artist?
As every artist knows, it’s good, every now and again, to try out something new. So this past week I’ve been doing just that and I’ve made two new collages on Gesso Boards using the Gelli plate printing method.
By randomly inking up the wobbly silicon surface of the plate, and/or mark-making directly onto it, the Gelli Plate allows you to create some excellent, and always unique, backgrounds.
For these new pieces I went with the random backgrounds letting the marks lead me into the design. If you use something like Mod Podge or Golden Matte Medium to adhere the papers, you can get away without a frame.
Gesso boards can be bought from Jackson’s Art Supplies, but mine were made at home by Philip Poole, who happens to be an excellent conservation framer, and my husband. He can knock them up very quicky and cheaply. Result!
Tomorrow I have a date in my diary to deliver them to Chalk’s Gallery in the New Forest for their ‘Secret Garden’ exhibition, commencing online on 2 February. Within the Government restrictions, the journey is considered travel for work purposes, and I’m assured that it’s allowed. Yippee!
For anyone reading this who might be keen to try out this fun printing technique, my good friend and fellow creator Jaqui Mair does some fabulous workshops at Jack House Gallery in Old Portsmouth, demonstrating this method. Why not take a look? As I said, it’s good to try something new!
Jill x