Clay Tile Samples

I made my own tile samples out of white clay and red clay. I did this by rolling out the clay to about 1cm thick (using the white clay first so it;s clean). Once it was at the right thickness I then used the tile cutter to cut out 2 tiles of each clay type. These were then left for a week to dry and become leather hard. 

A week later the white clay tiles were ready to add colour to using coloured slip, painting it on with any patterns/colours you like. The red clay tiles were coated with white clay slip over the top. These were then left to dry until they were ready to be carved into. 

I used a clay knife to carve in any patterns and markings I liked. I carved quite detailed patterns on the top of my red clay tiles, whereas I kept my coloured white tiles markings simple and quite abstract to match the bright, contrasting colours. Once they were left in the kiln and taken out again the white tiles were ready to be glazed as I added colour to the red tiles by using the coloured oxides to paint on top, after mixing some water with them. This soaks into the clay instantly, meaning I could then glaze them to be put back into the kiln.

Health & Safety

•  Work in a well ventilated area
• Clean up the workspace when finished
• Keep bags and coats out of the away
• Wear an apron to protect your clothes 

Collagraphs

Using a range of different materials such as; string, netting, wallpaper, cardboard and raffia I began making my own collagraphs. I used cardboard tiles cut into 8 by 8cm squares. Selecting the different materials and cutting them up, each collagraph was put together differently, giving a lot of thought on the composition and balance. Using PVA glue the collagraphs were stuck together and left to dry so they could be coated with shellack. 

Once the plates were dry and ready they were ready to be used to print. 
We chose 2-3 colours that complimented each other through-out the 5 
prints. Using safe wash Caligo inks we mixed the colours we wanted, using a palette knife and ink board. The ink was added to the plate using a toothbrush, using the different colours in different areas. 

We then used scrim and tissue paper to wipe away the excess ink. As we were doing this some watercoloured paper was cut up into 8cm squares to soak in water. The paper was then blotted down to remove excess water. Each plate was the placed on top of the paper in the printing press. Printing one at a time as they are all different thicknesses. 

Making a number of different prints we were able to choose 5 of the best from each tile, as some had too much ink and others didn't have enough. 

The prints were then left to dry. 

Barbara Rae:
Our collagraphs are linked to Barbara Rae's work as she has used collagraph printing throughout some of her work. Also, we have made some etching samples using graphite and ink which is similar to her work and technique. Most of her work is based on landscapes that have been composed in an abstract manner, in particular she is interested in the traces of human activity. She uses the etching technique and uses collagraphs to produce her work. Barbara Rae uses a wide range of bright vibrant colours in her work that contrast with each other, making her work stand out. I've noticed each piece is well balanced through the use of careful composition. 

Harbour Night

Our collagraph prints are also linked to her piece "Harbour Night". This piece has only a small range of colours which we have also only used 2-3 colours in our prints. The bright, contrasting colours and shapes make her work look abstract. She has thought carefully on the colours she's used as they create a feeling to her work, also making sure they compliment each other. This piece was made using an aluminium plate applying a wax ground and etching into the wax before placing into the acid bath.




Health & Safety:

• Clean up the workspace once finished
• Put all equipment away
• Wear an apron and gloves to protect clothing
• Clean tables and floor when finished so the ink doesn't ruin anyone's work and they don't slip up
• Keep bags and coats out of the way incase someone trips
• Don't use any sharp objects in your collagraph as it will tear through the paper when printing
• Use the shellack in a high ventilated area