Gel Press

Untitled Monotype, by Tikva Lantigua.

Last year, I was standing in the aisle of my local art supply store looking for some excitement, and what did I find but a gel press. Before I set up my etching press, but as I had less time for screen printing, the gel press presented itself as a perfect distraction.

I watched countless videos on gel printing - layering acrylics, using ordinary supplies like bubblewrap for textures, and using pre-cut stencils to make some very moody textural stuff. But the aesthetic these youtubers shared didn’t quite match what I wanted to be making.

So I started drawing with it. I laid down the simplest of stencils, torn bits of paper, took a brush to it, and soon a single layer of black ink became four compositions. I gave myself permission to be direct. It was fun. and the level of subtlety the gel press could transfer, the lightest sheen of leftover ink, was like, what ok.

So here we are, after having taught a monoprinting class with access to an etching press, hand-cutting stencils, and I think of the gel press again.

Gel printing makes some things difficult, like registering multiple layers. But other things are easy, less of a head trip, and really invite spontaneity and less hand-wringing for those who are new to printmaking.

With layering, you can use any painting technique, and stencil technique, or combine the two. You can also use sketches as basis for compositions, or photographs like tracing material. Each gel plate is your own personal press, and its very portable and lasts a long while, so you can do it from home with minimal supplies.

Mixed media gel print using markers, charcoal, and acrylic paint, plus phone book.

Monoprinting with Gel Plates coming soon to an art-center near me, I hope also near to you.

We’ll be using Akua intaglio inks to start, add in acrylics for different effects, and hand-cut our own stencils. Drawing and painting experience a plus but not a requirement.

Bring your own Gel Plate, bring some acrylics if you have ‘em, and we’ll play around with printing. Check out the supply list for more info. Hope to see you March 2-March 30, Thursdays 11am-2pm.