Friday 14 November 2008

a few thoughts on lith printing



It was nine years ago that I did my last lith print - on very well out of date (but perfectly OK) Kodalith, a beautiful and delicate for-purpose lith paper, long since 'deceased'. I'm not altogether certain of the rich tones offered by the paper that I used for the previous image below (Forte Polywarmtone 15), very different from the subtle colour shifts of kodalith. (This paper is also now deceased of course, though I have a stock of it). I have yet to try toning which might make a difference, as does the freshness of the developer: but that print was my favourite in terms of 'snatch point' and in terms of having no blemishes/dust spots whatsoever (I think it was one of two in that respect!).

It's good to venture into something new. And there's something seductive about the easy quiet, contemplative nature of lith printing (as long as you slow the process down) compared with regular printing; the balance of control and intuition. As well as a dreaminess, the hint of something just-below-the-surface...it seems to fit my current state of mind (kicked off perhaps in a timely way - and amongst other things - by Sarah Moon).

Thursday 13 November 2008

"flight"




 'flight', ⓒ Cate McRae 2008; All Rights Reserved




 


Although we seem to have slipped imperceptibly now into winter, the colours and especially the light this autumn have been spectacular. I've been drawn to making more garden pictures. The autumn for me is a time when everything comes together. It is also a chance to take stock - a time for withdrawal; for turning inward.

lith print



All Images Copyright ⓒ Cate McRae 2008; All rights Reserved