Monotype miniature book

mapping4web

With a miniature art exhibition coming up, I decided to continue making monotypes, using the same approach I took in making larger works to make some miniatures. Using smaller stencils and a similar colour palette, I made a set of 16 prints, each 7 x 11 cm. Two of them happily stood alone, so I have framed them, and I decided I would like to make a miniature book out of some of the others. As usual, I went through a number of ideas and approaches before I decided on a concertina. I wanted to keep the torn edges of each print, so made a backing  from a drypoint print, printed in ochre on brown paper (see below), then folded and glued 8 of the prints down. The imagery suggested to me the views you see in Central Australia – bright blue skies, red dirt and huge monolithic rock formations, so I have called it ‘Mapping the Road from East to West’. Once the book was made, I felt it needed more depth and intensity, so with some trepidation decided to overprint it using the drypoint plate that made the texture on the back. If it hadn’t worked, I would have had to abandon the whole thing, but all was well, and I think it has enhanced the imagery, and the sense of Central Australia.

Once the book was complete I made a tag to contain all the details (the colophon), then had to decide on how it would be held together, whether a box, or a tie of some kind. The final solution was to make a slip cover, open at both ends, like the cover on a box of matches, from two of the remaining prints.

The title of the exhibition is East Meets West in Miniature – this is open to broad interpretation, so I decided to make it where East meets West in Central Australia.

mapping_singlesweb
The individual prints
Mapping1web
The book with slip cover. The colophon tag is just visible underneath.

mapping3web

Mapping_backweb
The back
Mapping2web
The book in its case, with the colophon
EastTouchesWestweb
The two individuals before they were framed.

Author: anna warren portfolio

I draw, I paint, I am a printmaker. Always searching for the interesting detail in the world around me.

24 thoughts

  1. These are sublime – the individual prints as well as the book with its cover. I am convinced of Central Australia – and you have convinced me with such economy – which leaves much room for my (the viewer’s) power of suggestion. Exquisite – and made with such care and ingenuity that there must be Japanese in you somewhere back.

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  9. How does one translate a personal journey of discovery , that sense of *beforeness in such an ancient landscape successfully into one’s art ?
    Well , you’ve done JUST that Anna . Something very special within the folds here in your miniature book . I love how you’ve approached the theme … the printed overlayered background is a beautiful addition … dried river beds … contours of a kind … yes mapping … clever you !
    Those little monoliths huddle together like a family in harmony !
    Wishing you all very best for the exhibition xx Poppy

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    1. The Australian landscape is so ancient, it is a challenge to try to encapsulate it – I’m delighted that you get that sense Poppy, and the cracked earth and contours … I am captivated by maps, and journeys, they seem so significant to the relationship between us and our place in the world. Thank you so much Poppy, I always appreciate your comments, lovely to hear from you – I hope all is well in your world! xx

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