Four Seasons II: Spring (2/5)

Number 2 of a limited edition of 5
Image size 22.5  x 32.5 cm
Paper size 30 x 40 cm 210gsm Zerkall printmaking paper

The edition number, title, signature and date are written under the image in pencil.

This is an original collagraph print produced while I was jointly Artist in Residence at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming in 2016. Inspired by the museum's display which takes the visitor through the farming year, the same collagraph plate has been used to make a print for each season. The structure and shape remain the same, just as the landscape does and as the farming year has for centuries, while the colours change in a cycle. I have written more about the inspiration for these prints here.

This print, 'Spring', shows bright green foliage unfolding and the first crops appearing in the ground while some distant fields are still bare.

A collagraph plate is made by building up the image with texture and applied elements. Ink is then applied by hand before the artist passes the plate through an etching press with dampened paper. This method produces not only richly coloured images but also an embossed effect on the paper. The plates are very fragile and consequently only 5 prints (plus one Artist's Proof) have been produced in each edition. There is a post about the technical process of creating these prints here.

The hand made nature of the process, and the fact that the plate is inked up from scratch each time, means that every print will be unique. The print shown here is number 2 in the edition of 5 and is the print you will receive. It will be delivered to you UNFRAMED for safe shipping. It will be backed by card and wrapped in cellophane and carefully protected with tissue paper and stiff cardboard.

If you wish to purchase the complete set of four prints (as shown in the last image) please get in touch to enquire about a reduced price.

© Jane Duke 2016