The Dying Art of Communication

Before that shiny new diploma finds its way into my mailbox, I've still got two summer classes to finish up. There aren't too many classes being offered this summer that I haven't already taken (or want to take) so I'm doing an independent study. I could have just made more hoods to go along with my previous concept, but I think I'm done with that. I've said what I needed to say and I'm ready to move on to a new concept. This summer I'm working on three new pieces that are all about the dying of communication, especially the handwritten letter. I'll expand on that concept in future blog posts as I get more of the work done.

I started my first piece this week and it has definitely had its up and downs. Its a series of 12 panels that show the progression of writing from cave paintings to text messages. The first five panels are done with batik and that turned out wonderfully.

Here is the hieroglyphic piece with wax before dying:

And here it is after dying:

And here are the first five together:

The last 7 panels were intended to be screen printed. Unfortunately, I learned today that that isn't going to happen. After 5 screens and 2 tries exposing photo emulsion screens, it was apparent that the fine lettering was not going blow out and printing would be impossible. I first thought that I'd coated the screens too thickly with the emulsion so I tried some screens with thinner coats. Still no go. I don't know if it's the emulsion or my acetates or the light table or something else. Instead, I've decided to use the much less interesting route of iron-on transfers. Hopefully they won't look like something you'd put on a sweatshirt for your grandma. I think it'll turn out just fine since it's just a series of basic black lines. We'll find out tomorrow!