Unhappy Bather

2004

8” x 10”

Primary Techniques:

Line etching, dry point, mezzotint, and screenprintnig

This piece is my first attempt to combine screen printing and etching.  The individual techniques of etching and screen printing are technically complicated enough, and thought y many artists to be incompatible. Trying to combine the two techniques is a challenge because screen prints are done on dry paper, while etching uses wet paper and paper expands when wet. Because I am printing the image on a single sheet of paper with these two techniques, there is a physical issue with alignment during the printing process. Although it was a challenge, I personally like the outcome, but I must admit, it took a long time to “get right.”

In this piece, a bather of the 1950’s returns to her “changing cabana,” located just off the beach somewhere along the Atlantic Coast.  Could be Martha’s Vineyard, a barrier island or her own private beach?  Either way, she is clearly angry at something or someone.  Perhaps she is angry at the artist for invading her privacy?