Relief Prints

In 1984 I printed my first relief print using a Vandercook 320G letterpress. I immediately fell in love with the process and have been doing it ever since. The prints shown below were printed on either the 320G or the Vandercook IV. I typically use Shina wood blocks, (sustainably grown Japanese basswood), purchased from McClain’s Printmaking Supply. My working process often involves carving three blocks: one for the key composition, one for the colors of the interior shapes and one for the background colors. I treat the printing like a monoprint or varied edition by changing the colors and textures of each print with offsets, transfers, split fountains and handwork on the block after inking and before printing. I also use an á la poupeê method of inking with hand rollers; multiple colors rolled on the same block and rubbed with rags, q-tips and sponges before printing. Some of the prints have additional passes using one of the three plates as needed. The final key plate is run in a solid color or subtle split fountain, most often in some variation of black or grey.

— Sheila Coppola

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