Gelli Printing
It tested me.
A fairly new mono-printing process without the need of a press.
After attending a beautiful workshop at No.5 Workshops, I’m determined to experiment more at home. Particularly because this process didn’t come naturally!
With a Printed Textile Design degree, and a new-found acceptance to “seeing what happens'“, I actually thought I would nail this. Nope. This did not come naturally. And, it really frustrated me…
I am a magpie when it comes to collecting things - especially forestry souvenirs (rubbings with crayons made Little El’s day), so walking into Armi’s studio was dreamy in every sense of the word. It’s a magical museum of anything you could ever wish for - and you can actually use things! Didn’t want to leave.
What did this process bring up for me? I came with a plan, I did prep a fair bit (Pinterest Board) but when things didn’t immediately form I became a little overwhelmed. I had a confidence blip and started comparing myself to others. When I took a pause I began to listen to my natural instinct, I focused on me, and didn’t strive for an end product. I loosened up - and the Indian wood blocks won me over.
The colour palette started to come together when I experimented with the Indian wood blocks and real flowers - a medley of graphic repeats (structure) with organic one-off textures (botanical). This process really encourages freedom in the now - 3 hours flew by.
I hope to bring a kit with me when I next visit Mum, I think she’ll enjoy getting a bit messy to take her mind off the Chemo.
