The Beauty of Photopolymer Gravure Etching

Photopolymer Gravure is a modern version of 19th Century Copper plate etchings. This non-toxic etching process allows the artist to make multiple prints from each image – varying the prints through choice of colored inks and papers. In this three-day workshop students will transform two different photographic images into hand-printed etchings. Using light-sensitive steel-backed gravure plates, participants work with two sizes of plates and a variety of inks and papers. Students will leave with 8 – 10 prints. No printmaking experience is needed, and all level of students are welcome.

Karen Hymer is a visual artist and educator living in Silver City, New Mexico. She holds BFA, MA and MFA degrees in fine art photography and has taught for over 25 years. She sees teaching as an opportunity to present new ways of experiencing the world through interaction with nature and image making. Karen’s current work explores the effects of time on the human body and various plant life. Her richly detailed photogravures emphasize the interplay of texture, pattern, light and shadow in muted earth tones. Her images are visually seductive; a poetic beauty is revealed in often overlooked subjects.

• 5 digital photographs (emailed to the teacher 3 weeks before the workshop starts)

• Old shirt or apron

• box 12" x 16" or larger to transport prints

Optional: hand coloring materials, favorite watercolor paper, previously used gravure plates

• Plate

• Aquatint screen

• Paper

• Inks

• Exposure unit

• Newsprint

• Gloves

• Wiping cloth

• Scrapers

• Film

• Printer with ink to make film

• Ink brushes

• Magnets

• Tape

• Files

• Tray

• Developing brush

• Hairdryer

• Powder and powder brushes

• Glass

• Support for glass

• Q-Tips

• Dawn soap

• Colored pencils and pastels