TEMPERED is a two part, layered print/collage in which the background is a hard surface monotype, and the overlaid facial image is a collographic monoprint using a plate from my AN AMERICAN FACE Series. The word “tempered” can mean different things, particularly in this context, and I will leave each viewer to decide what it means to them. Image: 9” x 5”, Matted and framed to 14” x 10”.
In most of my work, regardless of medium, I’m a story teller making a comment or statement from my own particular (or peculiar) point of view and the title is an integral part of the piece. UNTITLED is different: I’m leaving it up to each individual viewer to see what they will in the piece and to set their own narrative as to what has happened, is happening, or is going to happen. UNTITLED is a hand inked and hand pulled double plate collographic monoprint which uses one of the plates from the AN AMERICAN FACE Series and an offset mat. Matted and framed to 16” x 12”.
AN AMERICAN FACE #3, a hand inked and hand pulled collographic monoprint, continues the experiment of using hand woven paper as printing surface that I started with DANCE OF THE PENGUINS: SOLO # 11. It is part of a series of images designed specifically for hand woven paper, attempting to combine the angles and features of the human face with the textural aspects of the woven paper and a layered application of ink. Matted and framed to 18” x 14”.
AN AMERICAN FACE #2, a hand inked and hand pulled collographic monoprint, continues the experiment of using hand woven paper as printing surface that I started with DANCE OF THE PENGUINS: SOLO # 11. It is part of a series of images designed specifically for hand woven paper, attempting to combine the angles and features of the human face with the textural aspects of the woven paper and a layered application of ink. Matted and framed to 18” x 14”.
LEFT INDEX, a hand inked and hand pulled collographic monoprint, unlike the FOCAL POINT, CONTOURS OF FLIGHT, and LINEAR THOUGHT Series, uses irregular and non-geometric design elements and solid color blocks to create a somewhat more representational and less abstract image. LEFT INDEX is the first in a series of probably ten prints. Matted and framed to 18” x 14″.
LINEAR THOUGHTS: TRYING TO FOCUS is a paper collage created by weaving together two of my hand inked, hand pulled collographic monoprints from the LINEAR THOUGHTS Series. Like REDEYE TO THE COAST and NAVIGATING THE ROUNDABOUTS it is part of my effort to explore the possibility of using my prints in broader ways such as in mixed media and collage pieces. Image: 7” x 9 ½”, Matted and framed to 11” x 14”
The DANCE OF THE PENGUINS Series originally started out as part of an exploration into using multiple plates printed simultaneously to create a single image. I was (and am) also exploring expanding the use and presentation of my prints, as for example the woven paper piece LINEAR THOUGHTS: TRYING TO FOCUS. After completing that piece, I was curious about what would happen if I wove the paper before printing on it and DANCE OF THE PENGUINS: SOLO #11 was the result, a hand inked, hand pulled collographic monoprint on hand woven paper. Matted and Framed to 18” x 14”
I often find that an early or trial version of one of my prints may contain elements that I like and others that I don’t: or the palette may be off just enough so that the print as a whole doesn’t have the visual strength I’m trying for. In those cases, since I’m frugal, well OK cheap, I’m faced with trying to successfully repurpose the material. Redeye to the Coast is a collage/print which by cutting out, rearranging, and changing the background repurposes two early versions of Contours of Flight #7. The title speaks for itself. Matted and Framed to 16′ x 12″
Dance of the Penguins #2 is a hand pulled collographic monoprint which uses four separately inked plates to simultaneously create a single over-all image. Originally the design element was intended to be part of the Contours of Flight Series, but even though I liked the design, it just didn’t evoke “flight” to me. While I was trying to figure out what to do with it I happened to watch a show about penguins on PBS and the image clicked. At the same time I had also started experimenting with using multiple plates for a single printing, as in, for example Linear Thoughts: Logical Conclusions, and thus the Dance of the Penguins Series came about. Matted and framed to 24″ x 18″. $425.00
Contours of Flight #5 is part of a series of abstract hand inked and hand pulled collograph monoprints which draws on my stained glass and mosaic work to create images that appear to be in motion, engaged in some aspect of flight. Printed on 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. Matted and framed to 11″ x 14″.
John Fansmith