Thursday, 14 February 2013

Screen and Mono printing

 I started the process by mixing all the pigment dyes so it meant that I didn’t have to go back and forth; I could just get straight on a print. Even though I enjoy printing, I find it quite infuriating in a way; I get impatient when I have to wait for my work or screen to dry. Nevertheless, I like the outcome so I’m going to have to make sure I have other things to do in between waiting for things to dry.
    I have never used the technique of printing a block pigment colour onto the fabric for the background colour, however I found it worked really well. I got a clean screen and decided what colour to use before simply using a squeegee to apply the dye through the screen. 
   After printing the motifs, I decided to do a mono print. I printed that onto silk once; next to the mono print was this pigment print that I had been working on. I therefore decided to apply the mono print on top of the pigment print. This is why there is a faint, purple, marble finish.
  I’m pleased with the colours,placement and general feel of the motifs on the second print. I think it works well with the fold in the fabric as it makes it look a bit more interesting. It took quite a while to do as I had to wait for each motif to dry before layering, but I think it was worth it.
 
 
  I really like doing mono printing. I think it suits my theme more as it has a softer finish and detail and texture can be made.
 
(First mono print)
(Second mono print)
 
 At the time of mixing the dyes and painting onto the screen for the second time, the colours looked better than last time however once fixed, all the colours went a lot lighter.  I think I might work on top of this print with embroidery, if I have the time. I will use this to make the motifs clearer. I really like the effect the salt has on the dye; it draws it all in creating that texture. I'm going to experiment with the salt more and also try to get more accurate colours. I think the dyes need less water in so they're stronger.
 
My mono prints reminded me a little bit of Alexandra McQueen prints in the spring 2010 collection. The softness of the print and the subtle blending of the colours.
 
 
This collection has a 'Art Nouveau' feel to it; the smooth lines, natural forms used and the beautiful use of colour. The prints have a soft texture and make the collection quite organic. I think I'm going to work on top of my mono prints with my screen motifs. This will create a defined pattern on top of a soft, light background.

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