Peters Valley School of Craft Workshop Recap

Recently, I had the privilege of teaching a virtual workshop with Peters Valley School of Craft. In this workshop, I went over my gelliprinting process, teaching the audience how to create a gelliprint using various textures, techniques, and colors.

In the example above, I created a print utilizing charcoal transfer - a process in which you draw on paper with charcoal to transfer your image onto the plate. This is a fun technique you can use if you want a more visible design that highlight different values on the print. After gently pressing the charcoal drawing onto the plate, I use a thin layer of pink acrylic paint to add bursts of color. It's important to let the paint fully dry between each layer to avoid smearing the design underneath. When the pink paint has dried, I paint a coat of white acrylic paint to the whole design and gently press bristol paper onto the plate to transfer the whole design over. You can see in the example my design has a few rips due to the paper getting stuck to the gelliplate. This can occasionally happen even if every layer has properly dried, but that's totally normal! Sometimes the mistakes bring out the best art you can make! Remember to experiment, let go of perfection, and embrace play.

Tips on Creating a Collagraph Print

• For best results, start the base with a darker, high contrast color, making it easier to remove paint with textures

• Make sure the paint fully dries between each layer

• When you've finished your print, seal it off with one wet coat of paint (I typically use white) - this will act as the "glue" to transfer your design onto the paper

• Use thicker paper (multi-media or Bristol) to press onto the plate to avoid ripping the paper

I'd like to graciously thank Raechel Bihler for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to teach this workshop, as well as the attendees who asked me such fun questions. I truly enjoyed my experience hosting this workshop, and would love to teach amazing organizations like Peters Valley School again! One of my favorite parts of hosting a workshop (whether virtual or in person) is the reminder that there are so many different opportunities to share this art form with others. It serves as an incredibly accessible experience for everyone, ranging from traditional artists who'd like to try a new art style to corporate team bonding events.

This art form does not only encourage creative expression; it also serves as a reminder for artists that they can create their own opportunities to make income at home from their art.

With Love,