While working as the printmaking studio coordinator during Session 3 in summer 2018, a few of my colleagues (Barrak Darweesh, Phirak Suon, Brandyn Callahan and Christian Oiticica) and I started a collaborative research in incorporating 3D printing into some traditional printmaking processes.
The plates was ran through an etching press several times to print various impressions- embossments, reliefs, etchings and a combination print.
The making of the plates must be done right in order to prevent the plates from collapsing under pressure. The plates can also be made in any shape or form, provided the maker/printer is aware of the nuances and issues to look out for. For example, the depth of the recesses must be taken into account when wiping is involved. If the recesses are too deep (as seen in image below), the ink will have a hard time making contact with the paper when printing and thus resulting in a technical unsound print.
There is so much more to discover with this process as this is only the beginning of combining 3D printing with traditional printmaking. Needless to say, we were all very pleased with the results and have officially donated a print to the Pilchuck Glass School collection.
