Viscosity Prints - Collagraphs

I have been reading the book by Suzie Mackenzie ("Making collagraph prints") and it has given me some new ideas to try with my collagraphs.

I have bought recently some carborundum that I have meaning to try for a long time. Carborundum can be used on it's own to make a full plate (see this video for an example), or combined with other collagraphy techniques.

That's actually what I have done in this collagraph - I applied the carborundum at the edges to give some texture that simulates sea plants and the shark was done by removing the top layer of the collagraph plate with an x-acto knife.

Another technique suggested on the book is called viscosity printing, which basically relies on the fact that relief and etching inks have different viscosities and therefore can printed one on top of the other - generally relief ink over etching ink.

The viscosity printing came out a little weird to say the least, but I had to try it. I am thinking about giving it another shot without using the carborundum (since the texture in that area kind of stops the ink adhesion).

There's definitely still a lot to explore in collagraphs. I have gotten a few more ideas out of this book that I am curious to explore in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!