Series: Monoprint/Monotype Invitational 2022
Medium: Monotype
Dimensions: 28 1/2 x 20 inches (Image) 31 x 22 inches (Sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1952
Date finished: 2015
Edition: 1/1
Artist's statement:
"Before beginning the monoprint Leena, I made a charcoal drawing the same size as I planned to make the print. I worked on these in late 2014 and early 2015. When I was happy with the charcoal “study”, I began the monoprint using soy based Akua intaglio inks, which are quite different from the oil based etching inks I used previously. The biggest difference is the drying time of each; the Akua ink basically doesn’t dry on a non-porous surface, which means there is no pressure to rush to get it done and printed in the same day. Using the Akua ink, which has no toxic driers, I could safely manipulate the image for days or weeks.
I use a number of tools to make my monoprints, including bristle brushes, brayers, soft rags, parts of hair combs, my thumb, squeegees, and just about anything that can make a mark or roll on a bit of ink.
This ability to shift and modify the image, to wipe out large sections and then add back again are the reasons why I choose to use the monoprint medium. In my opinion it is actually more forgiving than a charcoal drawing, allowing for much manipulation.
Leena was a student of mine at Wagner college a number of years ago; she took a few of my studio classes. She also worked as a monitor in the print making studio. What was it about Leena that made me want to draw her? The answer will read like a list of platitudes, but they are all true. Hardworking, bright, reliable. Her face fascinated me; it was the image of youth, though not quite naïve – there was a degree of emotional intelligence I didn’t usually encounter in my students."
