Kristi Colell, CLU printmaking instructor brought Mitch Lyons master printmaker and creator of the printmaking process “Clay Monotype” to the University student printmakers. The workshop was a huge success.
Rachel Ferguson felt the workshop provided “an environment that was easy to be creative in. Clay Monotype is a media that allows students endless possibilities to be successfully expressive.”
Since 1968 Mitch Lyons has been pioneering his image making from a slab of clay. First a slab of stoneware clay is rolled out about 1/4.thick. After allowing the slab to dry to a “leather hard” consistency, colored slips are made using China clay and permanent pigments. These colored slips are brushed on, dried and rolled into the clay slab, one color over another, building the design with images, colors and textures on the “matrix”.
Once the slab is rolled flat, a moistened piece of paper/canvass is placed over the slab. Pressure is applied using a rolling pin to transfer the clay slips onto the substrate. Because China clay is inert and the pigments used are permanent and stable, the clays remain intact and will give pleasure for many years.
There was a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement by the end of the September 15-18 Clay Monotype workshop. According to Ashley Bowman, “Clay monotype printing is unlike any art form.” It’s like a combination of ceramics, painting and printmaking. The reason clay monotype print making is so appealing is because everyone starts at the same level. It allows the artist an opportunity to not think about the finished product and more about the creative process.”
Clay monotype prints are by, from left to right: Rachel Ferguson, Nate Maxwell-Dougherty and Tuan, “Jason” Nugyen.