It's been a while since I've updated you on the progress of my own work. I've started experimenting with preparing different photo emulsions and my new screens, and not as successfully as I'd first hoped. I managed to track down a printer who can make A1 tracing paper prints (transparencies) for the process, although they did manage to crease just about everything in the post. I've also realised that my coating trough is just too narrow to complete this stage of the print run.

Anyway here's a few shots of an early attempt at Black Christ, it's the black ink layer screen, I didn't even get to try out a print yet as you can see the image runs too close to the edge and has deteriorated under the jet washer. A real shame as I was so looking forward to getting started!

The light areas are actually caused by camera flash.

As you can see I'll need a wider coating trough, I'm clipping the sides of the image as it is. What's more the emulsion I was using was far too thick, I've bought another tub, this time a brand I remember using at East Dalston's Print Club. Here's a close up of the main offending area, where the worst deterioration took place. I basically over washed it, mainly because it never really exposed.

However, in the areas where there was enough emulsion the detail is perfect!

Still I've learned a few lessons, I need 1 min 25 seconds rather than the advised 55 seconds stated in the emulsion literature. I also need thinner emulsion (which I now have) so it doesn't settle so thick, will dry quickly and won't need as much washing out.

Still for me it's exciting stuff, not as exciting as actually getting on with the printing (lol) but I'm keeping my fingers crossed Black Christ will be available for sale for Christmas, which is ironically rather apt.

Anyway, in the meantime I've been working on a couple of ideas for Spunky.co.uk, a rather cool Brit t-shirt brand I've designed for before. I'm in two minds about these illustrations though, both based on old WW2 propaganda posters, they maybe a little too political for the label. We will see.

Democracy

A reinterpretation of an old Soviet era propaganda piece, a self explanatory comment on the state of modern life and the conflicts between the ideals of corporate capitalism and true democracy.

Nuke Model

I've experimented with a more painterly style for this design. Essentially it's a play on the words 'Nude Model', and comments on the distraction techniques most governments employ at times of crisis. I realise I've been working more and more graphically in order to be able to create screen prints. However in the long term I'd like to start painting a few canvases again.

Next week I'll start on the Black Christ screens again, hopefully (at least) one colour layer of the 48 limited edition prints will be complete by the next weekend.  Once it's ready I'll be removing the option for digital prints, which will apply to all my works from now on. I'll keep you posted no matter what happens next lol.

This post is tagged black christ, limited edition prints, Paul Baines, screen printing, t-shirt design