Investigations regarding traditional and contemporary intaglio techniques

The purpose of the Creative Project was to investigate a variety of traditional and contemporary intaglio processes, to relate the processes to other artist's intaglio prints, and to further develop the writer's technical skills by creating a series of intaglio prints using the processes discussed in the research portion of the Creative Project. The Creative Project consisted of a written section containing background information pertaining to technical aspects of the medium and brief discussions of selected works by various artists, and the execution and discussion of a series of prints by the writer using the intaglio techniques separately and in combination with one another.The background information section of the Creative Project consisted of working definitions of technical terms and brief discussions of four prints selected from the Ball State University Art Gallery collection. The prints selected were executed by George Rouault, Susan Rothenberg, Chuck Close, and Jim Dine. The writer also included a brief discussion of some of Stanley William Hayter's contributions to intaglio printing.The execution of the Creative Project resulted in the creation of five intaglio prints. The prints were entitled Highway Aviary, Fish Anatomy, Family, Untitled (Seated Figure), and Dance of the Flightless Bird. Each print utilized different techniques or combinations of techniques on copper and zinc plates. The processes involved in the execution of the prints were engraving, etching, aquatint, mezzotint, and spit biting. The prints were black and white except for the work entitled Fish Anatomy, which was printed with four colors. The print entitled Dance of the Flightless Bird was printed using multiple colors, however the actual edition was black and white. The writer was able to acquire the necessary materials for completion of the project through a grant provided by the Ball State University Office of Research.The completion of the Creative Project resulted in the writer’s improved understanding of intaglio processes and greater technical skills resulting from extensive work in the medium. The Creative Project stressed the importance of intaglio printing in contemporary art and revealed the need for further investigation into experimental techniques in intaglio printing.Thesis (M.A.