my process

It all begins with a pencil drawing that is transferred and carved out of a rubber block. Ink is applied to the block (typically rolled on with a brayer), and transferred to paper with pressure by hand (for my mini prints) or with a small hand press (larger prints). Every print is original, with remnants of its hand-printed quality visible in slight differences in placement or ink variation. It takes anywhere from 2-4 days for prints to dry, depending on the season/amount of moisture in the air. I typically dry prints on a twine line above my work station, and sometimes on a collapsible laundry drying rack, my desk, or wherever I have space!

This process of making requires me to slow down, to be mindful, grounded, and intentional. It is something I can get lost in while still feeling connected to myself, and to the many generations of printmakers past and future. It’s thanks to innovations in printmaking that we have commercial printing today, and it feels incredibly special to practice the art form that began it all.

In this photo, you can see that I carve on top of a candle to give me some extra height. I use the top side of the same candle to apply even pressure when I’m printing. Nothing fancy!

The photos on this page are from a live demo I did at the Burke Museum on the UW campus. During this demo, I carved my “Tamarind” mini print.

You can find short-form videos of my process on my Instagram @acguina.art!