Katarzyna Roman

Question 1

What is printmaking?

Answer

In general, printmaking is the term for any process of making prints. In my case it's traditional one, before digital print. This way you are involved in whole process, from creating a design, matrix, choosing a paper, ink, printing by hand. Each print varies, it depends on the colour you use, the way you prepare to print, the pressure on the press etc. Because of that, each print is consider as original piece, not a copy. Each piece has the unique quality. Print is created by transferring ink from a matrix to a paper (or other material). Matrix can be: wood block – for woodcut, linoleum – for linocut, metal plate: copper or zinc – for dry point, etching, aquatint, mezzotint etc, engravingor etching, aluminum, polymer – for lithography, silk screen – for screenprint. To picturize the process well I created, with collaboration of Michał Leonczuk, an animation which in simply way shows how does the etching technique works. Enjoy!

Question 2

What the etching technique is?

Answer

Etching is one of the oldest techniques. It was used by goldsmiths and other metal-workers in order to decorate metal items such as guns, armour, cups and plates. It was popular in Europe since the Middle Ages, at least, and may go back to antiquity. Since XV century one of the most important techniques for master printers. Etching – old german for 'eat'. Italin acquaforte, spanish aguafuerte – hard water, which is acid. Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal.

Question 3

How long does it take to create etching?

Answer

This is a very complex question. In depends on the size of the matrix. My illustration takes a lot of time in general and it's because of the way I love them creating – using a sharp tool and many dots which create shades, uneven lines (because there are no even lines in a contour of anything!). Before the final part I spent a lot of time studing a shape I want to draw and sketch a lot. When I have prepared design I need to follow the process of preparing matrix – cut to the right size, trim edges, polish, etc... I explained it inside 'What is etching' question, please, have a look there! :) Summing up, avarage a4 size etching from sketching up to the first print a week or longer. You need additional 30 minutes for each print to make (ink it, prepare a paper soak it and dry it, prepare a press and print). Voila!

Question 4

How are the notebooks made?

Answer

Notebooks are bookbinded at home, on the old type sewing machine. I use regular one and the needle for leather, it's strong enough and the pressure is good enough to go through the shits of paper.

Question 5

Notebooks – lavender, kiwi, olive, almond, coffee

Answer

Favini paper with a blend of natural ingredients. Each notebook's cover has a different one inside and the illustration shows it. The paper inside is light, made of corn.
The format is similar to a5 with 20 pages inside.

All notebooks are handmade, so they are unique and may vary slightly.

Bookbinded on the old type sewing machine by Papierowe Sztuki, in Wrocław, Poland who I collaborated with on this project (and many more). :)

Question 6

What the matrix is?

Answer

Yes, it is Latin for womb or a female breeding animal! But in this case it has a different meaning. It is an image made in hard surface which makes up the print. You ink it and transfer it to a pritning material, paper. Here you can see the matrix and paper, during the printing process:

Question 7

Notebooks – Norwegian serie

Answer

The paper is made by IQ colours. Those notebooks have different illustrations on the cover and all of them are inspired by Norway. The paper inside is warm white, very light, Academia 95g. The format is similar to a5 with 20 pages inside.

All notebooks are handmade, so they are unique and may vary slightly.

Bookbinded on the old type sewing machine by me, in Bergen, Norway. :)

Question 8

Fine Art print? Giclée? What is it?

Answer

Fine Art print also known as Giclée is a printing techniqe using the highest quality pigment inks and specialty substrates that ensure exceptional quality and durability and reproduction. This technique is a revolutionary way of reproducing images from various fields of art. It's the only one I trust when it comes to printing my illustrations to decorate your interiors!