Exploring the Unique Art of Monotype: A Personal Journey
My shy rabbits made with the Monotype technique
For the past few months, as some of you might know from following my Facebook or Instagram, I've been attending a fantastic Illustration course at the Scuola di Illustrazione di Scandicci in Florence.
Apart from the incredibly fun lessons led by our amazing teacher, Candia (who definitely deserves a shoutout!), I've participated in four workshops hosted by diverse illustrators. Each brought their unique concepts, ways of experiencing the world of illustration, and, most importantly, their artistic processes.
We often hear about different techniques and materials, but it's hard to imagine the myriad of application possibilities they offer. And it's even more fascinating when we start to mix them.
This latest workshop on Monotype has opened my eyes to many perspectives, about my way of working, what I truly enjoy creating, and how our work is perceived by others. As artists, we often take for granted many aspects when we interact with an audience that doesn't experience art from the creation side.
Therefore, I decided to describe these techniques that have somehow left a mark on me, hoping they might inspire you too.
Today, I'm talking about Monotype, this last technique we used just a couple of days ago.
Monotype: A one of a kind Technique in Illustration
The word Monotype comes from Greek (τυπος, meaning imprint or figure, and μόνος, meaning alone or single) and describes the uniqueness of a creation.
From an artistic standpoint, this technique ensures the uniqueness of each piece or work, as often the materials we use cannot guarantee a perfectly identical result to the previous one, and in some cases, they are not reusable.
Brunella Baldi, the instructor of our workshop, showed us some of her beautiful plates, emphasizing their singularity due to this wonderful technique.
For her works, Brunella primarily uses masks that she designs and carves herself, coloring them with calcographic inks. But she doesn't stop there; by leveraging drawing, collage, and principles of engraving, she has defined her style. Watching Brunella work was magical and hugely inspiring. Her mastery of the technique allows her to create plates that captivate and transport us into her dreamlike atmospheres.
Brunella Baldi Illustration Style
Endless possibilities and style development
What struck me about Monotype is its closeness to many other techniques, as if it's a meeting point of possibilities. It encompasses all the principles of engraving techniques and the layers of screen printing and general printing, but it can be mixed and detailed with other traditional drawing techniques.
Needless to say, I recommend trying it out and, most importantly, not giving up on the first try! At times, facing my own creations, I felt like I was back in kindergarten, I won't lie, but despite everything, I consider myself satisfied.
Could have been worse, right?!
Did you know about it? Have you ever tried it? Let me know what you think and if you have, post your works!
Chiara
