I picked up the book (above) from the library a few weeks ago and only got around to reading it yesterday morning. Paul Wandless’ book has me swimming with ideas of how to use some print-making techniques on clay. I think it’s going to be the next phase of experimentation in clay work for me. I do love the immediacy of carving in clay, but it is time consuming, a commodity that I always seem to be lacking lately. I do have some Golden Cut Linoleum that I have been planning on using. I just need to cut the sheets down to size. The ones that I have are 18″ x 24″ sheets. By taking the time to carve a master block, I would be able to make multiples of a single image. I’m a proficient thrower and slab maker so I could easily throw a set of mugs and then “print” the design vs. carving them for hours.
Also up next is trying out some toner decals for ceramic pieces and some other image transfer techniques on clay such as Lazertran transfers as outlined in Paul’s book. Lazertran transfers don’t work for functional pieces because it’s a cold technique, meaning that it’s not fired onto the surface. Toner decals are fired onto the surface which would make these pieces useable.
I’m also intrigued by a Japanese product, called RISO Print Gocco. GOCCO is an at home screen printing process, and depending on the size of your unit, you can make masters for a 4″ x 6″ image up to double that size. Paul Wandless also does screen printing on clay, but the GOCCO seems like it would be a little easier to set up. Instead of inks for the screen printing, underglazes are used for ceramics. The image is then baked on the surface of the piece and it can be glazed too. I have done relief printing on clay before and really enjoyed the process.
You can check out some of Paul’s work here.
I took someone to the airport this morning at 5am, I didn’t realize how beautiful the sunrise is over the city of Denver at that time of day. I wish I had brought my camera!
Have a good weekend everyone,
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Isn’t it wonderful how a person becomes excited about some new process of art….. its such a neat feeling.
Ohhh that would be sooo kewl! Go for it girl!!! Have fun, create! I bet you’ll make brillant pieces as you always do. How excited I’m getting. LOLOLOLOL Can’t wait to see!
*HUGS*
Cynthi, I had never thought of image transfers on clay. That must be a very good read, I love to transfer images but am not always successful.
My mom had a print gocco - they are fun. I thought they weren’t made anymore though. Can you still buy them somewhere?
I printed up both of my kids’ birth announcements on a print gocco. I ended up printing the announcement on onsies and fabric for quilts and christmas ornaments. Great fun. I’d love to get one if I could.
I found this blog post - looks like the goccos might be coming back to the US. Cool.
http://layersofmeaning.org/wp/?p=308
I’ve been meaning to get this book. Thanks for your review.
It is indeed, Nancy!
Thank you Angela…
There are a whole lot of processes to try Mary. My mom does a lot of image transfers on paper, which are pretty cool.
I found a few used print gocco on ebay Lisa, and a few stores are selling refurbished ones here in the US. I also found the Save the Gocco website and there’s talk of a major chain store that will soon carry new goccos - so exciting.
It’s a great book, Peppa!
Are you looking at the Gocco for making your screen? I didnt know they could be used for glazes. But then, I dont really know why not.
Gocco work seems to be very hot right now. I gave mine away a few years ago. Sigh.
Sounds very exciting with lots of possibility.
You know I had just seen (online) this book is in my local library, and had jotted down the number to check it out when I’m in next - now seeing your post here, I think I might be getting a message….I may just have to make a special trip to go get it….
Have fun with it!
Paul’s work is great! Thanks for sharing:)
Fascinating stuff. I have been intrigued by Gocco for a couple of months and would love to test drive one on paper. (And I’ve been in the Denver airport at midday — less exciting.:)
Gocco is hot, Janet, I’m still researching how to use the print gocco with ceramics, but have found an outfit in New Zealand that offers ceramic inks to make decals that can be fired on. Though I was thinking I could also screen covercoats or underglazes directly onto the pieces.
Pick the book up, Denise! It has some great ideas.
Hey Diana!!
So true, Andrea - DIA is less exciting than many places in Denver, but sunrise was spectacular! I think I’m going to buy a gocco. I’ve found a few places in the US that sell it refurbished. It just looks so cool.
Hi Cynthia! Thanks for participating in my blogpoll! Btw, I was thinking of getting a Gocco too for my handmade cards. Good luck with your image transfers.
heee i just got this book through amazon cool