This summer I had a commission to create an image for a book cover for a publishing house in Italy. This involved printmaking and initially I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to make a satisfactory print without the use of the fabulous press at Penzance School of Art (which was closed for the summer). However, I do have a Fome table top etching press, hidden and in parts in various cupboards in my house. This press is temperamental and either works like a dream or has to be firmly wrestled and fought with in order to work. Because of this I’ve been slightly apprehensive to use her/it.
So, I found the parts, put her together and took some deep breaths whilst I adjusted the pressure. I made a test ‘print’ by putting a piece of card through with the paper on top so I could see if the indentation left was even all round which would mean the pressure was correct on both sides.
And joys of joys she was a treat to use. I spent a couple of afternoons making prints with my teenager and I completed the commissioned artwork which I loved making and was really happy with.
This week I’m returning to the morning printmaking class at Penzance School of Art which I’m really looking forward to. Last term was a fiasco as I’d booked the afternoon class knowing that I struggle to work in the afternoons. I’m a morning person and I create most efficiently pre-lunch. Afternoons are for admin.