{ Gocco Print: Layer by Layer }

Published by Shai | Filed under Print Arts - Gocco - Silkscreen, Work Spaces, Articles & Projects

After my first experiments with Gocco, I finally managed to come up with my very first print, based on an original mixed media/collage art: “As Spring Brings Life to Art”. It was a weird experience, using the Gocco. Since I’ve never done any kind of printmaking before… I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do with it. So, I decided just to give it a go and to experiment.

Here’s how the print developed. First off, the first layer which serves as the print’s background:

I used an “open master” here for the first time. I deliberately created some uneven designs because I didn’t want a block of ink as background. I wanted to create some interest in the print with textures.

Then came Layer 2:

I actually thought about using circles as my layer 2. I even had my stencils out and ready. But, I saw some linear stencils and decided to use them instead.

I used red and gold inks in here, still with my “open master”. And, after I printed this stage, I realised how stark the red and the lines appeared on paper.

It was just about here when I started feeling panicky. I didn’t know whether to go ahead with making this print or abandon it and start over.

I decided to stick with it and allowed myself to play and make mistakes. After all, that’s the only way to learn and to grow!

Next stop, Layer 3:

Decided to add pastel pink to soften the starkness of the red. Still used the open screen here.

It looked better, but I was still feeling unsure. By this stage, I knew that I am bound to get to 5 layers!

When I finished this layer, I was so relieved. I felt a lot more comfortable about the progress of the piece.

But then, I also realised that choosing the fifth - and final - layer was crucial. It will have to be an image that tied all the layers together…

So, the final print ended up as:

Hooray! Just when I thought I’d never get to this stage!

The specs of this print:

It’s roughly 4 x 5.75 inches (the image). I left edges around the print, though, making it 8 x 5.75 in.
Colours: Japanese blue (pearl), Pastel yellow, Red, Gold, Pastel Pink, Purple

Here’s my first Gocco display:

12 Limited Edition Prints (all signed and numbered in pencil, front)

3 stationery pieces (card and paper); 6 art bookmarks

If you want to read more of my notes and see more pictures regarding this process of creating my first Gocco print, you can visit the links to my Flickr set below:

Technorati Tags: art, creativity, gocco, print arts, print gocco, printmaking, prints, riso serigraph

1. Creating First Gocco Print, 2. Gocco Print 1: Layer 1, 3. Using the Open Master for Layer 2, 4. Inking Layer 2 of Print 1, 5. Gocco Print 1: Layer 2, 6. Drying the Prints, 7. Gocco Print 1: Layer 3, 8. Print One: Layer 4, 9. Original Art to be Copied, 10. B & W Copy of the Artwork, 11. The Last Layer Master, 12. As Spring Brings Life to Art: The Print, 13. The Print on Pastel Paper, 14. The Print on Plain Paper, 15. Drying the First Gocco Prints, 16. As Spring Brings Life To Art, 17. Original Art in a Frame, 18. Another View of the Framed Print without the Flash, 19. The Print, Framed, 20. Gocco Display, with Original Art in Frame, 21. My First Gocco Print Display