In recent textiles lessons we have been looking at creating some mono printing experiments based on our structure theme to then start to curate pattern designs from.
The technique of mono printing involves rolling out a layer of ink onto a glass serface and I then experimented with either scraping into the ink to mark-out my design and then placing the paper on top, or by placing down the paper and then drawing onto it. You would then roll over the paper to mark-on the print and peel away the paper or material to reveal the design!
We had a go at this technique both on paper and then fabric.
My Mono Print Experiments
This first print was actually done onto a lightweight calico fabric and the way I curated it was by painting thicker lines of ink directly onto the glass serface, placing down the paper, and then drawing more intricate, detailed lines on top. This way I was able to achieve good variation in line quality, which lead to intriguing results.
For this next print created on paper, I again wanted to look at how I could curate different line qualities. So to do this, I etched in some of the circles into the paint using an earbud tip, and then placed the paper down to draw onto and curate some darker and finer lines/circles.
This result was created on a thin, crepe-like purple fabric which helped to add some colour into the design! I used the technique of painting onto the glass with ink to create thicker lines again. I also added-in some white acrylic to show some highlights and dimension within the print texture. The ink didn't print off as well as I'd have liked, however I really like the variety of line and white accent - I think it looks really effective on the fabric too as it's helped to add in colour behind so the lines really pop against the purple colour.
This paper print actually worked really well as the lines have come out very dark and promininet, and the initial layer of ink has created an interesting addition of texture in-behind. I really like the depths achieved through shading with the pencil!
Starting to curate patterns from my print outcomes
For the next stage of my pattern project, I will start to be looking at how I can take-forward my print experiments to curate more exciting pattern outcomes, ultimately developing toward my final garment prints.
To do this, I've looked to scan -in my original mono prints that I can then digitally manipulate to create different repeats and alter colouring, etc.
This first print digital outcome has to be my favourite as I love how the textures are reflected/mirrored in the repeat to create new, bolder shapes, symbols and repeats. I also think the colour manipulation works really well as the navy and print create a really element of contrast so intricate lines and textures really pop within the pattern design!
I quite like this next print as the soft lines and textures make for a subtle, yet effective print result. I have also edited the colours by inverting them, which works well to exaggerate shape and form within the lines.
This final pattern, I thought would look quite effective in a bold, vibrant colour, echoing back to the vibrant microscopic structures seen under a microscope where dye is used. The colour also worked quite well to balance-out with the boldness/darkness of line.
I really enjoyed the technique of mono printing and I think I have curated some really exciting outcomes. I'm really looking forward to devolouping more experiments and looking at new techniques to work towards the curation of my final garment patterns!
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