Initially I felt that printing was a fiddly, messy and laborious process, I thought my brain would explode with the many steps and processes involved.   It didn’t help that I am learning every process together, however I am tackling it, I have a formula, recipes written lists as I go and the process is becoming smoother and my confidence will grow with practice.

Printing still feels like it is a missing link in the process of my work, I draw and make mixed media textile forms that I want to add printed images into this process. The pieces are stronger with this added layer of memory of storytelling on the fabric.

I am not yet clear of the outcomes from this exploration, I do not currently see the work as a single piece, standing on its own, but multiple layers incorporating mixed media textiles, drawings and prints, this may evolve.

I aim to employ the process of printing in the same way I use drawing which is an integral part of my practice, I have not yet found a formula as such, my method is not linear, it’s more like a mind map, however my practice is, I draw found materials and these drawings then depict the direction that the work will take. Firstly I draw, I then make, I then draw the progress, adding fictitious details as I go along, I then return to the making. Printing for me is part of this process.

My utter joy in the printing process is that you never quite know how it will turn out, you can be precious and precise but the forces beyond your control ultimately decide on the final outcome, although the more experienced you become, I suppose the less anomalies occur but I am sure they will still occur and this for me is where the excitement lies.

Below are the original images that I am currently working with.

The image below is the print on to fabric from the poly plastic textured plate.