This week I am experimenting with a medium and method that I haven’t played with since art school: Ink and Bleach on paper. I am only trying this because we have been advised that when embarking on the Form, Frame, Fracture project, to try to do something completely different to what we usually do. I’d prefer to be oil painting!
This is a far departure from my usual fairly controlled and figurative style, using much more controllable mediums such as pencils and paints. I am exploring fairly loose and gestural mark making at first, but also experimenting with more detailed marks (writing) using various tools including needles, embossing tools, wooden sticks and Posca Pens. I am experimenting with how the ink and bleach interact when placed down in different orders: bleach first, then ink; ink first then bleach, as well as the effects of adding the second medium once the first is dry, versus adding when it is wet. I am doing the same when it comes to using the writing implements.
Findings so far about this medium:
- Dried bleach on white paper retains its ink-repelling nature.
- Thick Bleach dropped onto very wet ink leaves a firy/bloody finish
- Pencil writing with ink painted over it still ‘shines through’ – barely visible, but still there.
- Embossing tool under ink works well for a very hidden message.
- Bleach over lightly marked ink leaves an almost luminous effect.
- Bleach splatters over wet ink work well because the bleach ‘bleeds’.
Debbie New 