Monoprinting Trials and first World problems
Because I want to be transparent with my readers, I share the monoprinting trials I had creating “Red Playground Derivative Squared 1 and 2. Oil based ink was the medium with which I worked.
Admittedly, some problems were of my own making, for instance, neglecting to properly clean up the brayers after using them.
Working with oil-based ink on paper that the roughest pretreatment (on purpose) inhibited progress.
Likewise, woven print plates, which worked beautifully on the smooth paper at the Sue Cooke workshop a couple of years ago, did not work at all on my textural paper.
Additionally, there were technical difficulties. For example, my overhead iPhone camera stopped working because of lack of memory space. It was an ongoing situation to resolve when making and editing videos.
recognising solvable problems
However, I am ever mindful that I live a first world life. Hopefully as I share my challenges of creating art around life you’ll be encouraged to NOT give up on your artistic pursuits. Resilience is key to the artist’s pursuit.
My problems, in and out of the studio, regardless of any discomfort caused, arise out of prosperity. So, I like to avoid complaining.
Having lived in the USA and, now, New Zealand, I want to be aware of my many blessings, including, but certainly not limited to:
- The resources to start a business, even though I chose to close it.
- Owning an older home that needs upkeep and repair.
- Ready access to good, wholesome and affordable food for which I must take the time to shop and prepare.
- Access to good, affordable, and available healthcare.
- A kind husband who encourages my artistic pursuits and with whom I choose to spend time.
- Affordable and plentiful local art supplies only a 10 minute drive into the CBD.
- A home art studio and space to create, clean-up, sell, and store my works.
telling better stories
Telling better stories is important. Good stories emerge from talking about struggles people have and how they prevail! (or not!)
Just as problem solving is good for increasing creativity in studio it should likewise for creating videos by encouraging you with relatable struggles in the midst of a privileged life of making art.
Click here to view the finished work and read about overcoming failures and setbacks in the studio.
The Inspiring works
Red Playground Derivative Squared 1 and 2 were the 7th and 8th of my target 52 works in 52 weeks. Deadline 31 May 2024
