The Block

Here is the 2nd state. I added an aquatint background. 5 minutes in the ferric chloride did a lot more than I expected, but I like where it is going. I think I’m going to try one more round of aquatint to put a some sort of really dark shape behind the figure. I like that patterning is emerging from the darkness. I see that a few layers can really make things richer. I’ve always been one for the simple, direct and stark. When that approach succeeds it serves me well, but when it fails, it usually fails pretty miserably.

Here is a simple etching of the Minotaur. I had prepared a plate a while ago and thought it would be a good opportunity to try some of that scale-like patterning in an etching. I have since prepared a few more plates and plan to continue with a more Minotaur-related etchings. I have editioned this state and will probably add an aquatint shadow to push the background back and better define the edge of the figure.

I’m continuing to pursue these background patterns. I especially enjoy distorting the size and layout to create a sort of undulating plane. I was also interested in working something out in ballpoint pen as a precursor to some possible etchings using the these patterns.