Printmaking -- Dissolution

This is a line etching based on the image of the 9/11 Memorial in Kennewick, Washington.  A line etching is made by covering a copper plate with a waxy ground, scratching a design into the ground and dipping it into acid.  The plate is usually dipped several time.  Portions of the design may be covered up to prevent the lines from getting deeper and darker.  This plate was dipped seven times with the shortest time being 15 seconds and the longest time being 20 minutes.  After the plate is cleaned, ink is applied, it is run through the press and prints are made.          The blue on the left is from a process called "Chine Colle" in which a thin piece of paper with glue on the back is placed on the plate, the white printing paper is placed on top and the whole thing is run through the press.  The thin Chine Colle paper is supposed to adhere perfectly, forever.  This print is 9 x 12 inches.