Ink Transfer Drawings

Lately I've been drawn to old scientific and mechanical diagrams, including the rather fanciful vintage designs for dirigibles and hot air balloons. 

I created a series of quick sketches based on some of these diagrams, then rolled the back of the sketches with printers ink. I then laid the paper lightly on top of pattern paper and retraced the image.

This technique, somewhat similar to monotype printmaking, works without a printing press. In effect, I become the printing press as I trace the images, transferring the ink on the back of the image to the paper beneath.

What I love about this technique is that you can't control it. Where ever the papers meet, the ink will transfer, thus creating rather ethereal, one-of-a-kind images.

This series was gifted to Hirsch Wellness Network for their yearly Art Lives Here auction which allows Hirsch to provide creativity workshops for cancer patients, survivors, and care givers.

Sky at the Corner of Pisgah Church and Battleground

July 23, 2011

Sphygmomanometer...

Kudzu Covered Trees in Danville, VA

Sketchbook Project

I've given up trying to make the deadline for the Sketchbook project.  Maybe if I stay in my cave all day Sunday and work on nothing else I might get it done - but truth is, I have lectures to create, reports to write, and workshops to teach and am just a bit worn at the seams.

None the less, I will continue to work on it and post the images. And when I do finally finish - I'll send it in to the powers that be - I just doubt it will make it in time for the tour. wah.

Dear Hilde

As a part of my 2011 Sketchbook Project research for Dirigibles and Submersibles, I've come across a number of WWII era letters that I find both charming and heroic.  As I read these letters, a story began forming in my head - one that seems intent on accompany my drawings.

The story, soon to come, will present itself in a number of letters addressed to Miss Hildegard Stenson of California who has (we assume) hired a scout to search for her brother, a scientist and inventor who has gone missing in WWII Europe.

Two-man Submersible