Open Print Exchange

I recently signed up to participate in the Open Press Project’s Open Print Exchange and I am not sure how to feel. This is my first international exchange, and my first attempt at creating an edition of intaglio prints. I opted to try a Tetrapak plate technique, as participating artists may include any type of print produced on an Open Press 3-D printed machine. It may have been the wrong decision because there were too many new variables for me to successfully manage without input from someone more experienced.

It was pretty hard for me to troubleshoot. First, this type of printing requires a type of paper that is somewhat unfamiliar to me. It took some time to determine the optimal level of dampness, and I suspect that I didn’t get it quite right. Second, the machine has to be calibrated to the appropriate level of pressure. Leveling the roller was not as challenging as I suspected, but how much pressure is too much? Finally, the ink application must be spot on. It is tricky to remove unnecessary ink from the plate without inadvertently removing ink from the grooves.

Ultimately, I pulled editions of three designs and only one edition was reasonably consistent in quality. The design itself isn’t my favorite either, though it is a reasonable choice for such a small format (7 cm x 7 cm). So, off to Germany they went. Unfortunately, the organizers extended the deadline after they were mailed (sigh).

So…..I guess my feelings are complicated. I am proud of myself for trying something new. I am proud that I did not give up when things got difficult, and I am happy to have found some good sources of information online. But I am not that happy with the print. I hope the folks who receive it in the exchange are not too disappointed.

I do recommend that you check out the other prints from around the world, available online at the link included above. I am always in awe of those who can pack a lot of meaning into such a small format.