Kerry Donati- The Little Etching Studio.

I am fascinated with how different a scene or object can look according to variations in light, season and atmosphere. At etching edition gives me the opportunity to explore these nuances. Each print is subtly, or strikingly different, but they all capture a different aspect of the subject.

I am a trained etcher, and a member of the Printmakers’ Council. I am interested in the resonance and memory associated with what I draw, whether landscape, botanical or exploring historic decorative arts. For me, the etching itself becomes an object of resonance and memory, onto which the viewer themselves can imprint their own memories and associations, their own traces of moments of meaning. 

The atmosphere not only changes the look of the subject but it directly impacts on the outcome of the process. Working in the garden, in a small studio, made out of recycled materials, the air pressure, humidity and weather create their own specific effects on the process, which is itself inspiring. Atmosphere makes its own impression on the atmosphere of the prints.

 The process involves metal work, and eroding copper with ferric chloride. Copper facilitates fine, delicate lines but it restricts the number of prints which can be pulled from each plate. I print on a Victorian mangle, which creaks like a wisened old boat. I use the same techniques as etchers did 400 years ago, apart from a more ecological technique to create tone with aquatint.

 I use traditional Somerset 250g paper, made from 100% cotton, which is acid free and has archival permanence, with Gutenberg inks, which also have archival permanence and are reputed to have the highest density of pigment. The etchings will not fade or run.

 Ink is applied to the plate and wiped off. I enjoy exploring the painterly variations in the wiping process and use a technique called ‘à la poupée’ to apply additional colour before printing. No colour is added after the print is pulled, to maintain the integrity of the surface texture, which in turn ensures that light refraction from the pigment remains uncompromised.

If you would like to keep in the loop, details are on Instagram, where you can find out more, just search: The Little Etching Studio.