Low/non-toxic electro etching workshop with Don Braisby

The process for the Scholarship involved submitting an application which outlined my background and why I wanted to take part, together with a CV and 6 images of recent work.

Etched aluminium plate - one of my submitted images.

I was pleased to be offered an interview and part of the selection process then involved taking part in a two-day workshop (30-31 May 2013), with the seven other shortlisted candidates.  If I didn't get any further I was very happy to have this opportunity!





The workshop was given by Don Braisby, artist and printmaker, who I realised was a leading practitioner in low/non-toxic electro etching. This is a non-hazardous technique that can be applied to copper, zinc, steel and aluminium.

 We used aluminium plates as these have two important advantages over other metals... lower cost! and also the grain when etched produces a natural aquatint from light grey to a rich velvet black



Don doing something nasty to a lemon!

There were six 'etching stations' which looked like something from the lab of Frankenstein!  Lots of batteries, wires and fizzing water (salt water).   It seemed most odd to be able to put your hand in and pull out the etched plate...but what fantastic results.  .  Don set us the challenge of achieving the darkest black.


Don's enthusiasm for the process was evident and we all worked flat out for the two days, hardly stopping to  have a break!

But what fantastic results.  The process was clean and straightforward and I  got some great marks with my test plates and went onto do a mini-etch.



Looking at our samples 

Test print of etched plate sample

Test plate: taking away areas and etching the remaining - this meant that each area was progressively etched deeper.

sample etching inked a la poupee (dabbing ink)

Print of sample: inked a la poupee

My test plate before being etched and using the backing tape as a resist.

I am delighted to have been awarded a place on the first Printmaking Scholarship Programme hosted by the Regional Print Centre, Wrexham, North Wales.

This blog aims to chart my experiences and progress as I take part in the many workshops and activities associated with the programme.