Capturing a Moment: Gelatin Printing

Lets just get right down to it, you've either tried it and loved it or you're currently wondering what I'm talking about. Gelatin prints that's what. A few years ago a student introduced me to the wonders of using homemade gelatin as a printing plate (sugar free kind). As it turns out it is a very versatile work surface that brings an element of intrigue and play into the work space.

When my clients first hear I'll be bringing in gelatin, they seek out napkins and forks and eagerly away the obviously tasty snack. The sound of dreams shattering as I pull-out the gelatin plates is audible (if only short lived). Soon everyone is poking and wiggling the gelatin and wondering what we'll be doing with it.

Play is an important aspect of what I do. So is creativity and genuine interest. These things are however harder to come-by in adults than their younger counterparts (who jump-into explorer mode instinctively).  Sometimes I have to coerce these attributes out and gelatin is one of those tools/processes with a higher success rate (for me that is).

Enough talk, lets get into some visuals.

With a few adaptations gelatin can be made sturdy enough for use as a printing plate.

After inking, items are laid on the place...

A sheet of paper is used to press the items down, creating a negative print (and removing excess ink).

After the negative print, the items are removed from the plate, and a true print obtained.

  

Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. - Warhol