Junkyard Steamroller Nontraditional Printmaking Exhibit

Artist's Statement:

I have had the incredible privilege of working with Judy Hayes on her Griffin Floor Press for several years. In researching for Judy’s first in-studio printmaking class, I discovered the use of zinc plates (Charles Walker, 1877) in monotype printmaking. As I began using a zinc plate, I fell in love with this surface because I could apply ink in a painterly way. I was able to test creative limits by playing with the application similar to the way I play with mixed media and oil painting. Using the zinc plate required me to push my boundaries and focus on the manipulation of ink on the plate. I could not use metal embossing as I was able to do with other monoprintmaking techniques. As an artist I met the challenge by using pottery tools, paint brushes, shower squeegees, wax paper, crayons and various materials that are considered non-traditional in printmaking. This amazing transformation allowed me to create monoprints that gave me the opportunity to express myself uniquely as I found a new avenue for my creative spirit.