printing process

My favoured process for printing images is photogravure, sometimes called photopolymer prints.

Photogravure is an intaglio printing process that held a central place in 19th Century photography. Images are made using a photopolymer plate and the process involves a series of exposures: first exposure with a random dot screen (aquatint screen) followed by a second exposure to a positive transparency of the image. This dual exposure produces an "etched" polymer plate containing many thousands of indentations that correspond to a negative image of the original photograph.

After drying and curing, the plate is manually inked, with the ink settling into the etched grooves on the polymer plate. The image is then printed by pressing the inked plate onto dampened paper.

In this age of digital, screen-based reproduction, I enjoy the physicality of a print as a counterpoint. Something to be held. Because each stage of inking, wiping and pressing is done by hand, every impression carries subtle variations, making each print a unique object in its own right.

For this reason, my works are produced as limited editions, some available in my Shop.