WHAT IS A MONOTYPE? (THE PAINTERLY PRINT)

is basically a smashed painting. a monotype is a one-of -a-kind image created by passing an inked plate (the painting) through a press, transferring it to the paper. the final image is backwards and in reverse order of how the ink was applied to the plate. the process has a wonderful unexpected quality, as if i introduce myself to the image when i pull it from the plate. ‘pulling’ refers to peeling the paper off the plate after it’s passed through the press.

WHY MONOTYPES? WHY NOT JUST MAKE A PAINTING?

there’s an element of serendipity with monotypes that i don't find when i paint. the interaction of the inks and moving through the press, remove ‘complete control’. i put down my intention when i place the ink on the plate, it goes “where it’s meant to” through the press.
also, there’s a depth created that’s very unique. unlike a painting where the layers rise off the surface, all the colors are compressed into one dimension, into the paper.
i love the immediacy. i work in a single pass, the entire image is put down at once and run when the ink is still wet. i add graphite and even additional ink to the image after it’s pulled.

HOW DO I WORK?

i create on the spot. some of my images come from observations. translating what i’ve seen or what’s going on. some are ideas about how things will change, memories, dreams or whatever wanders through my head.
sometimes i start working without an exact idea, i feel my way into it. occasionally i’ll start working with my eyes closed, only seeing the image in my mind.
the images are interpretations of what’s going on in and outside my head.

WHAT’S THE GOAL FOR MY WORK?

joy. i have pieces in my life that make me happy everytime i look at them. i want to share that with other people in the world.

WHO INSPIRED ME?

my imaginary friend peter for one. he was a great fan of my early ‘mural’ work on the blue walls of the living room behind the green flowered chair. peter still shows up from time to time, now he’s looking out from the page.

WHAT’S MY TRAINING?

i have a degree in design from minneapolis college of art and design (MCAD). while in school i discovered monotypes. they started as a fun creative release in contrast to my course work, they’ve become a much bigger part of who i am.