Last week, we were tasked to bring some mark making tools to class to create some prints. My initial thoughts were “Will it be like all the art classes during primary school days?” “Are we all going to be like 7 year old again?” I was pretty nervous about it and at the same time, looking forward to how the session would turn out to be.
It was close to what I have expected. Surprisingly, the whole session was super chill. We even get to play some music and also given the opportunity to just create and have fun with no expectations! Well, comparing to all the other classes, which are mostly packed with studio activities, this was really good news, wasn’t it?
Before we proceeded to make our first print, we were introduced to the different tools and equipment available in class. Then, we picked our spot and started the mark making journey.
Unsure of what prints exactly that I want to create, I did not work on monoprint like the others. Instead, I grabbed a bunch of brushes and black ink, not to forget my own mark making tools to begin with.
I started with the comb because I wanted to do the effect of someone’s been dragging his feet.
It was a little harder than I thought it would be. Due to the material of the comb, the color did not stain well. Hence, I would have to keep applying colors on it.
I would say it turned out not that bad.
Next, moved on to the toothbrush!
The uneven surface of its bristles made it an interesting tool. I was able to create a fluffy-like print and also like a whirlwind of thoughts. However, I need to be more careful when soaking the toothbrush in colors.
Apart from that, I tried the back of the toothbrush too.
Sadly, it did not turn out well.
After this, I started using different brushes to make my prints.
I didn’t really fancy the results as they looked common and I still could not tell what kind of emotions from the brushes series but maybe one day. Hopefully, soon.
I used the tip of the brush handle and I love this result more!
It gave off an eerie vibe, felt like I was trapped in a haunted woods. I am naming this The Claw of Madness!
During the process, I painted a bold stroke of black on the paper, thinking to work on it with some other tools that I could trade from my friends. In the end, I used the same comb to scrape off the paper surface.
It started unintentionally, but it turned out to be cool!
Besides, I tried using toilet tubes to achieve curves.
I found some leftover cling wrap by the others and I thought of using it to create a melting effect.
It symbolizes something short-lived.
Soon, I ran out of ideas and started trading materials with my friends. Thanks Alicia for the straw and sponge, Nicole for the walnut and Ben for the lemon!
The straw effects reminded me of the community feeling and how everything unites and works harmoniously.
While the sponge was a rather spontaneous method, quick to execute! It did look like waves, trying to consume something.
I never thought that food is something I would use to work on prints, especially nuts! I was really impressed by this piece of walnut. The texture provides density in my print and the shapes formed cute little animals in my head.
Ahhh the lemon! At first, it was just an ordinary kids’ artwork – using fruits/veggie to make prints. However, the more I looked at it, the line of lemon print reminded me of the carousel and also very flowery. Overall, it looked pretty cute!
This marks the end of my first mark making session. Looking forward to the next!
