Now that the pieces for my imaginary orchestra are complete, I have been able to spend time experimenting and exploring in printmaking. In some ways, the imagery is peripheral – I am not looking to make one beautiful plate that stands alone, but create unexpected results from layering and masking, using different colours and methods. The plate used has an image inspired by the workings inside a piano.
Luggage tags are nice small shapes to use as masks to interrupt – or disrupt – the base image. I especially like the patterns made by the tag strings. In the top image the tags simply masked the main image, but small residue marks can be seen as I used the tags on another print and some of that image was offset onto the tags. On the second one, I ran the print through the press with the tags in place, then lifted the tags off, turned them over, moved some around, but replaced them within the tag marks and ran it through the press again to offset the images back into the shapes. It sounds complicated but in fact is very simple!
The bottom photo is of some of the tags, which are now printed on both sides. Even the strings have picked up imagery. These are probably asking to be turned into a 3D object of some kind.
The prints are 27 x 39 cm, printed on Magnani Corona paper and the tags are 5 x 3.5 cm.
anna warren portfolio 
Like ancient manuscripts of music, the tags as quavers resting on the strings of music lines. 😎
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That is so poetic Janina! A lovely response, thank you.
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I really like this. The tags are works of art in themselves and I’m interested to see how you use them.
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The tags offer so much, for a mundane object. I think I will enjoy playing with them – I’ll keep you posted as to the outcome!
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Anna, these are extraordinary. My very first thought in the instant when the first image flashed up on my screen was ‘immigration’. And that is before I read what you’d written – or even before I saw the next two images.
Then, looking at the images BEFORE I read anything, I thought, “these could be teabags”. Well, they COULD!
The lines inspired by the inside of a piano could also be inspired by a ship’s masts and ropes – back to immigration.
The prints are so interesting and at the same time elegant. I don’t know how you think up such things!
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Oh, I do like that idea! I hadn’t really come up with a back story, or title for these but I can see just what you are saying, I think you have given me an answer. Teabags – not such an odd idea, I know of several book makers who use them, either in their complete form, or opened up to make delicate papers. The tea staining gives wonderful soft toning. I do like using non-standard materials!
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Super intriguing, Anna! The details pulled me in close. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Carol – I’m so pleased you were pulled in. One of the nice things about working like this is the unexpected detail that emerges.
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What a fascinating process and beautiful result!
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Thank you so much Jean – I enjoy the way the image and materials lead the way, and I happily follow the cues!
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Fabulous prints!
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Thanks Evelyn, I’ve been enjoying the process!
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I can totally see these pieces in the Modern Art Museum, Anna. I like the geometric layout. It looks like you had fun experimenting with the composition 🙂 !
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Wow – what a fabulous compliment! You’re right, I have had a lot of fun with these – with each print I think now what would happen if I did this ….
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How intriguing. I love the use of the tag strings.
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Thanks Nancy – they were an unexpected bonus!
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