A Bird in the Hand, Monotypes

I have a lovely large picture window in my studio that looks out on spotted gum forest and a Callistemon tree laden with bright red flowers. It buzzes with insects and birds, a constant distraction and draw of delight. Birdsong grounds me, it is the sign of a healthy environment and it is home.

These bird prints, monotypes, are made by inking a slab then placing a light Japanese paper on top and making quick gestural pencil marks on the back of the paper to pick up the ink. The birds flit in and out of my line of sight giving me a brief chance at capturing their movement and form. I love the speed and uncomplicated nature of this printmaking process; it is an idea in flight. Once the ink on the prints is dry I add colour with pencils on the back of the print before glueing the light Japanese paper onto a heavier cotton rag paper. The colour becomes translucent, held between the two layers of paper, the inky print floating on top.