Screenprinting

Screenprinting is a printmaking process which involves utilizing a stencil to either block or allow ink to be pushed through a mesh onto a substrate (commonly paper and fabric). This technique was referred to as silkscreen printing since real silkworm silk fibers were utilized to create the mesh screen, however, synthetic mesh is now utilized more heavily as it works in a similar manner. There are several different techniques within this particular print process, involving certain analog and digital methods which yield varying printed results as well as allow for exciting experimentation. To create the screenprints that are for sale in my shop and beyond, I utilize what’s known as photo emulsion screenprinting, which integrates darkroom photography techniques to expose the prepared screen (coated with a light sensitive emulsion substance) to UV light in the dark using a printed stencil (negative or positive). These stencils are hand drawn by me, both by hand and digitally. Each print is hand-printed with a whole lot of love and passion for this physical process, as I move the ink through the open stencil area with using a squeegee to force the ink onto the substrate. Most of my prints are printed in ‘editions’, meaning there are several pritns of the same design which are identical to one another. Elements of light and dark and positive and negative are integral to this method of printmaking, one which has been utilized by many to visually communicate ideas using the advantage of repetition.