LIMITED: A fixed number of identical prints are produced from the same plate. Once the specified number is reached, no more prints are made.
VARIABLE: Similar to a Limited Edition in that a fixed number of prints are produced from the same plate, but each print may have unique features (such as colour variations) making them distinct from one another.
OPEN: An unlimited number of prints can be produced from the same plate.
Welcome to the printmaking studio
When creative director Andrée-Ann Thivierge is not wearing her ‘graphic designer’ hat, her favourite place to be is in her printmaking studio. While primarily creating limited-edition linocut prints using either a multi-block or a reduction print method, she enjoys developing varied-edition prints using chine-colle or other colour application options. She also has a growing interest in both drypoint and monotype printmaking, and is gradually building those methods into her printmaking practice. Regardless of which method she uses, she never tires of the anticipation of peeling back the paper to reveal a fresh print.
Printmaking 101
Prints are produced in 'editions' which include:
The term 'printmaking' covers a lot of ground. My printmaking practice includes linocut, monotype, and drypoint.
The cost of each print is based primarily on the method used to produce it, as well as the type of edition it is part of.
MONOTYPE: These are generally the most costly as, much like a painting, they are a unique piece of art that cannot be replicated.
DRYPOINT: Because drypoint editions are small by nature (see explanation below), each print can hold more value.
LINOCUT LIMITED EDITION: These editions can range from 5-10 prints to 100+. On average, the smaller the edition the higher the price, as a smaller edition makes each print more rare.
LINOCUT OPEN EDITION: These tend to be the least costly, as there is no limit to the number of prints that can be produced.
Linocut
A relief printmaking technique where the image is hand-carved into linoleum, Japanese vinyl, or a similar substrate. The surface that has not been carved away is inked, and the image is transferred to paper. This process repeats for each colour. Prints can be made using a multi-block method where each colour has its own block, or by a reduction process that uses only one block to print many layers, where for each successive colour more of the block is carved away. This process is repeated until all the layers of colour are printed, leaving very little of the original block behind.
Monotype
A print technique that produces a unique, one-off impression rather than a reproducible edition. In monotype, ink is applied directly to a smooth, non-absorbent surface, then transferred to paper in a single printing. Unlike linocut, monotype cannot be exactly replicated.
Drypoint
An intaglio technique in which a sharp metal point (or diamond-tipped tool) is used to scratch into a plexiglass or copper plate, raising a rough burr alongside the scratched groove. Unlike etching, no acid is used. The burr holds extra ink during printing and produces a characteristic soft, velvety line quality unique to drypoint. The burr wears down quickly under press pressure, so drypoint editions are typically small.
