photogravure
The Photopolymer Photogravure
Early masters such as Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen adopted the photogravure technique to reproduce their photographic vision.
A photogravure is a hand printed photomechanical print created from an etched printing plate. Also known as a photo etching, or a photo intaglio print.
The original photograph becomes a beautifully textured and individual Intaglio etching, which is the resulting combination of fine art cotton papers, archival carbon based inks and the traditional etching press.
In my Photogravure print practice, I use Photopolymer printing plates. The photopolymer photogravure combines digital media, industrial flexographic photosensitive photopolymer printing plates and traditional age old, etching techniques.
Where the original process of copper based photogravure required hazardous acids, asphalt and environmentally unfriendly copper, the contemporary photopolymer photogravure is a low-toxic friendly technique that gives the photographer / printmaker safer work practices. UV light is used to transfer the image on to the plate and, the water-soluble polymer structure of the plates allows for etching with nothing but water.
The photopolymer photogravure print highlights textures, tones, forms, light and shadows. Attributed to the raised ink lines, relief qualities and embossing trademark of this etching technique.
‘Direct To Plate’ Photopolymer Photogravure
The ongoing changes in the offset printing industry led me to explore the ‘Direct to Plate’ system for exposing and developing these plates. Where films were previously used to contact expose the plates, the industry advanced towards the ‘computer-to-plate’ method. Bypassing the film and printing the image directly on to the plate before exposure and development.
This method seemed straight forward but the challenge lay with simplifying the method for use in the artist print studio – without the high-end printing equipment.
The direct to plate photopolymer photogravure does away with several aspects of the traditional film to plate process.
There is no need for a film
There is no need for a second dot screen exposure
There is no need for a vacuum exposure frame.
The image is adjusted digitally to suit the contrast range of the plate, which before was the job of the second dot screen exposure. The image is printed directly on to the plate via an inkjet printer that has a direct feed path (Epson A2 printers are ideal).
The plate is exposed under a UV lamp and then developed (etched) in water. There is a bit of tweaking involved in getting the digital file to print correctly, but in effect this is not hard. I have developed a calibration method that is user friendly and can be done in a couple of simple steps.
With the ‘direct to plate’ photogravure method I spend a lot less time testing plates and wasting materials. I am able to make Photogravure images and spend more time experimenting at the printmaking end of the process. Papers, inks, chine colle, a la poupee – all the fun stuff!
ON LINE workshop available
Can’t attend on of my on site workshops? Learn the photopolymer photogravure process on line at a time that suits you.
My on-line class includes my step by step notes, calibration files and my custom made profile for your printer. You will have access to my on line resource page that is being regularly updated.
A one hour session will get you started. We will then keep in touch to trouble shoot as you proceed with your plate making.
COST: $320 USD / $420 AUD
CUSTOM PLATE MAKING SERVICE
Custom made from your own digital file.
Up to A2 size (image size 55 cm x 40 cm)
Did you know that you can transfer your digital file on to an etching plate? You can reproduce your photo or hand drawing. Your plate will match your original image and will be ready for you to print on your etching press.
