my process

1. It all begins with a pencil drawing that is transferred onto and then carved out of a rubber block.

2. Ink is applied to the block (rolled on with a brayer or stamped with an ink pad for baby prints).

3. The block is printed onto paper by hand or with a small hand-press for larger blocks.

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 and 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, patient. 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.

You can find short-form videos of my process on my Instagram @acguina.art. Get a behind-the-scenes look on my Youtube channel @acguinaart!