Disruption: A Clay Monoprint
Some clay monoprints serve as perfect examples when explaining the uniqueness of the technique. This is one of those examples.
“Disruption” - a clay monoprint by Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia Studio
After Mitch Lyons created the medium of clay monoprints, he also established a tradition that is itself unique; when creating a new print, rather than starting on a new matrix of fresh clay, the artist designs on top of the remaining clay from previous prints.
The result is a print that not only picks up and displays clay via color and form, using elements of the new design, but also random areas where pieces of previous prints transfer and speak through the imagery.
This somewhat random "look back" at previous works means that the artist never has complete control of a finished work. The tradeoff? "Happy surprises" that enhance an image in ways that the artists would never have been able to plan for and pull off.
In this way, the clay monoprint tradition mimics much of life. We can be well prepared and thoughtful about our next steps in life, and in doing so, improve our chances of success, but unforeseen events will still occur and in some cases, shape our lives in positive ways.
In the monoprint at the top of this essay, my specific design for the piece was solid stripes of color. Anything in the finished print that is not part of that solid color is a remnant from previous works. The past raising its voice yet again.
Making a clay monoprint is a combination of color, form, the planned, and the unplanned. Disruptions, as in this piece and its title, are an essential piece of the art.
November Clay Monoprint Class Series
Visual Realia is once again offering a three-part series of classes on learning the art of clay monoprints.
Experience this unique art form established by Mitch Lyons. Utilizing techniques of printmaking, we’ll replace ink and paint with colored clay slip. We’ll explore basic techniques, move to more experimental methods, and finish with an informal open studio format. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind print each session.
Location: Adams County Arts Council
125 South Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Tuesdays, November 5th, 12th, and 19th
10:00 AM - Noon
To register, visit the registration page here or call the Arts Council at (717) 334-5006.
Questions? Contact Andy via email at ostman4200@comcast.net.
Mitch Lyons Exhibit: A Must See Event
Image attribution: Delaware Art Museum
Wilmington’s regional art treasure, the Delaware Art Museum, is running a retrospective look at the works of Mitch Lyons, the creator and master of the clay monoprint technique. It runs through February 2nd, 2020, and is definitely a must-see exhibit.
The show focuses on both his three-dimensional clay works, as well as a thorough visit through his exploration of clay monoprinting, from prints on rice paper, on black sandpaper, to their eventual home on pellon and reemay.
For more information:
Mitch Lyons: The Hand Translated
https://www.delart.org/exhibits/mitch-lyons/
https://www.delart.org/mitch-lyons-the-hand-translated/
Image attribution: Delaware Art Museum
Open Studio and Monoprint Demonstration
Friday, June 7th, 2019
Hours: 5:00-7:30 PM
Demonstration: 5:30-7:00 PM
View a working demonstration of the clay monoprint process from beginning to a pulled print. Watch, discuss, and ask questions about the techniques.
Works (monoprints and photographs) will be available for viewing and purchase. Hope to see you there!
Visual Realia Studio
Adams County Arts Council, Studio 207
125 South Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Photograph courtesy of Hannah Smith.
Visual Realia Studio: It's Live!
Gettysburg now has its own clay monoprint studio! Find out more…
After a 32-year journey as a music educator, I've opened a small studio space in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in their local arts hub, the Adams County Arts Council facility. I'm working with and sharing the unique techniques known as clay monoprint printing, as well as teaching the process and selling both these clay prints and locally-themed photographs.
Hours are as requested by contacting Andy via email (ostman4200@comcast.net) or calling 717-451-4181. In addition, open studios for visitors are held on most First Fridays from 5-7:30 PM.
Follow the progress of the studio and its works on social media:
www.facebook.com/VisualRealiaStudio
www.instagram.com/visualrealia/
Clay monoprints are genuinely unique works (thus "mono") originated by Pennsylvania's own Mitch Lyons, who was the master of the technique, but fortunately was generous in sharing the possibilities with students that crossed his path. You can read more about Mitch and his process at these links.
Be a part of this artistic community by visiting the studio or contacting me. What can we do together?
• Browse a growing collection of clay monoprints and photographic works in numerous styles, sizes, themes, and color palettes.
• Discuss commissioning clay monoprint works. When decorating our homes and offices, for the same price as generic big-box store art, we can create a work that works perfectly for you. Base your artwork on a word, phrase, idea, or color schemes.
$60.00 - approximately 15x20
$75.00 - approximately 18x34
Want to discuss other ideas? Contact me!
• Tour the studio, learn about the process of making clay monoprints, and make your own unique print. These sessions combine learning about a new cultural form with a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Everyone leaves with their own monoprint!
1 person - $35.00
2 or 3 people - $30 per person
4 to 6 people - $25 per person (Work in pairs, but each leaves with a unique print.)
Perfect for families, friends, homeschool (grades 7 and up) projects, work team activities, etc.
Want to know more? Sure, you do! Contact me with questions or ideas.
ostman4200@comcast.net
(717) 451-4181
Studio location:
Studio 207
Adams County Arts Council
125 South Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Photos on this page courtesy of Hannah Smith.
Manganese Violet
Gradient between two different RGB values for Manganese Violet.
Last weekend I made a clay monoprint using a new pigment for me, manganese violet.
A day or two later, I was listening to an interview with recently-passed clay artist Mitch Lyons, in with he suggested author Victoria Finlay’s books on color, so I ordered and received her “The Brilliant History of Color in Art.”
Ironically, her book has a chapter on manganese violet! (Subtitled “Monet Goes Outside.”) Before 1860, artists had to make their own purple colors by mixing red and blue themselves. Finlay noted that Monet loved using the color in shadows, which in reality are not pure black as we typically think of them.
In addition to its use with artists, It is also commonly found in cosmetics, as it is safe in that use.
Looking for a precise color to show here, I found two different versions, so the image above is a gradient between the upper left and bottom right colors.