A Turning Point

These four individual panels comprise the piece, “Over the Rainbow,” and represent a turning point in my work.

About The Work

Each “mini rainbow” is a monotype using layers of stencils on top of a base color that I filled in with a roller. The darker images are the first run through the press and the lighter images are the “ghost” print. A ghost print is run through the press a second time to discover what surprises await. The paper is our trusty friend Rives BFK. I used oil inks. The stencils are a wide variety of papers that I made in the session – and then tossed. Each image is 18″ x 18″ and each framed piece is 20″ x 20″.

How It Started

My goal was to make a wreath made of four panels that would equal at least 36″ total. I made a template and placed it under the plexiglass plate as a guide on where to place my stencils.

How It Evolved

The pink and gray panels were my first experiment. They represent rocks in a river bed. I chose that imagery to represent my father who passed away in February 2023. He was my rock and the rock of our entire family. I was delighted with the results of both the original print and the ghost that I decided I wanted to use both of them in the wreath. I also decided to make mini rainbows to honor my mom who died in 2016. She brought so much beauty into the world, that I used lush greenery to honor her.

Here is a close up of the stencils. I had no idea how it was going to look!

The prints framed and installed in my narrow hallway.

The Results and the Gifts of this Project

I started out with the intention of making a wreath. Supportive artist colleagues in the print studio said the work would be strong represented as individual panels. I love how they look individually. As a playful bonus, there are two wires on each frame to allow any arrangement imaginable. I am liking this configuration at the moment.
This is the largest work I’ve made to date. I learned that I like working large and want to do more. What prompted me in this direction was a Call for Entry for works requiring a 36″ minimum on each side. Without that call, I would not have explored working large.
I was not juried into the initlal show and was pretty bummed about it. But these original prints were juried into another show which offers me the chance to meet other artists I may not normally meet.
I took risks and tried something new. I worked hard and applied what I knew about color theory and design, but these prints seemingly came together magically. I have had subsequent print sessions that were not successful, so I especially appreciate how these came out.

Thanks for letting me share my process and my work.