Melanie Morrett
Monotype, framed 23" x 27"
Monotypes are a unique type of printmaking because of the unique textural qualities that are possible. This print was created by rolling, black and gray etching ink on smooth plexiglass plates with rollers. I lay natural materials on top of the inked plates, in this case, grasses that were arranged, printed, rearranged, and re-printed using 3 different plates, printing the plates one at the time on the same piece of paper using my etching press to transfer the ink from the plates onto the paper. I used both brown and black etching ink as well as several plexiglass plates that were printed several times to create this final monotype image. The plates themselves have no permanent markings or incisions therefore it is not possible to create an edition of the unique print that is created. That is why they are numbered 1/1 because there is only one original print bearing this image.
This medium and process can be a little unpredictable at times, but the truth is, there is a remarkable transparency and layering quality possible that is hard to achieve otherwise. I can spend many hours trying to create the perfect print, and it be a total flop. Then there are times it is so exciting to see my vision come to life through the happy surprises the medium can also provide. While they do not all turn out to be masterpieces, I always learn something new from them as they stretch my mind and imagination to future possibilities.
All framing materials used are acid free.
