“NEW”!!!!! INKING WITH SOLARPLATE BRUSHES

An educational advertisement (with a tad of humor) by Dan Welden

I use the Solarplate Brushes because they are the most efficient way of inking non traditional surfaces. Since printmaking can consist of a wide variety of materials, techniques, and textures, printmakers are unique inventors and discoverers that adapt the best ways to be creative and productive. Unlike ordinary and standard inking techniques of carding, daubing, and rolling a plate, the right brush has the ability to penetrate more efficiently in certain surfaces. The brush is not meant to replace tradition. However, it can enhance and broaden the experience. Using the brush rather than a card can allow you to scratch your nose while inking.

WARNING: if you decide to use the Solarplate brush for exfoliating your skin, make sure there is no residual ink on it.

Asian inking techniques traditionally use soft brushes with pigment and water-based paste formulations for incredible effects on the ‘high’ uppermost portions of a wood block. I have adapted this technique and reversed it for western methods so as to ink both the ‘deep’ portions of the printing surface as well as higher levels by using a stiffer bristle brush. More practical than a shoe brush and similar to a body brush, the Solarplate brush fits comfortably in the hand, forcing the pigments into recessed areas more easily than any other method. I also find that the brush is more environmentally friendly since it uses less ink, better coverage and the ability to achieve subtle tones. There are many times that I choose to use the brush in such a manner as to eliminate the use of tarlatan completely.

Ergonomically speaking the brush takes less of a toll on my fingers, hands and wrist and allows me the capability of inking simultaneously with two brushes and both hands, on larger plates. Although the primary purpose of the brush was intended for developing plates and later cleaning the ink from them, it has become a multi-purpose tool that includes the use of mark making for monoprinting and painting. Since they are quite inexpensive, I use numerous ones with a swatch of each identifying color on the back.

WARNING: if you decide to use the Solarplate brush for exfoliating your skin, make sure there is no residual ink on it.

All inks can be modified to work, even if the ink has the viscosity of shoe polish. Ink can be altered with oil to become pliable enough to apply a circular application motion quite easily. I generally don’t clean the ink from the brush since it is used frequently. However if stored, it would be best to find a plastic lid container or a large empty sardine can with a some oil in the bottom to keep the bristles pliable and soft. When using the ‘oiled’ brush, simply stroke it on newspaper to remove excess oil. I also use an ink brush to wash out or clean plates with Dawn dish detergent which simultaneously cleans the brush. Inking plates, wood, linoleum, or synthetics has become more of a pleasure than a chore enabling the artist to obtain unique effects, especially with a la poupeé.

Authors serious note: The terms ‘high and deep’ stemming from the German hochdruck and tiefdruck were used by Albrecht Dürer. Somehow they have evolved into the confusing terms of ‘relief and intaglio’ and during my 60 plus years of making and teaching printmaking, I have witnessed abounding confusion.

But wait, there’s more: all brushes come with a lifetime guarantee to make masterpieces in the right hands!

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

The owner of this brush…………………your name………..is an artist in her/his own right and has lifetime permission to use the Solarplate Brush in any safe manner deeming it creative, innovative and feasible, whereas that right shall extend to the entire life of its bristles and become employed by as many fingers that fit the printmakers glove. Furthermore and heretofore, the brush may have its own beneficiaries and heirs to live on in perpetuity in the creative world or suffer the penalties of becoming adapted for dish washing or toilet cleaning. The brush may not be used in any form of weaponry, or preparation for edible or human consumption, however its use may be expanded for animal or plant massage, engine and hydraulic maintenance or reselling on Craigslist.