Sumi Ink and Graphite Media Study

Steph Chalmers - Sumi Ink and Graphite Media Study - 2013

Something Different

Fig. 1 - Plywood, paper, wood veneer, thread, ink, acrylic, pencil - approx 600 x 400 mm - Steph Chalmers - 2013

Fig. 2 & Fig. 1 - Plywood, paper, wood veneer, thread, ink, acrylic, pencil, tacks - Steph Chalmers - 2013

These works were made for a group exhibition - Opening this Friday night:

A Work Remembering Hiroshima

Hibakusha/Survivor - Indian Ink Painting 2010

There is an earlier, one-off drypoint version of this composition. I did a lot of post-print painting on it, and was really proud of the finished piece. I made the background a deep blood-red, it had the Genbaku Dome (the Hiroshima Peace Memorial) and a bare tree, faintly in the background. Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the bomb, is fleeing the scene, and I embossed a circle in the centre referencing the Japanese flag. Another embossing of a 1945 NZ coin at the bottom acknowledged the aid given by the NZ J-Force, post war. I wasn't expecting the original to sell, so didn't bother to take photos. Alas, it sold. I missed it, so I made this! 

Moral of the story: Take photos!

All Prepped Up...

My current work space - ready to go...

It looked so nice, I thought it was worth a photo.

The paper is Fabriano Tiepolo. I soaked it for five minutes then laid it on plywood, and taped the edges with water-activated gummed paper tape (available from Gordon Harris). This should withstand a good splashing of water, ink and paint while remaining beautifully flat. Will post results soon...

Ooh, have to share... I just won a second folding chair (like the one above) on on TradeMe, for six dollars! I've seen them for around $160 at vintage stores. Score!

A Birthday Card

A birthday card for Hillary

I made this late at night and the control I lost through my inability to keep a steady hand, I think, made for a better result.
I thought I had dried the indian ink well enough with the hair drier, but alas, it was too thick in places and when I washed over the water soluble pencil the ink bled.
In all the murkiness the lettering didn't stand out, so I added white gesso with a tiny brush.
Maybe not the greatest card ever... but always better than a bought one!
Happy Birthday Hillary.

An ink drawing to test new paper

Ink Drawing - Paper Test - Steph Chalmers - 2012

This started as a test piece to see how this paper took indian ink... it's taken about four hours so far. 

The paper is Hahnemuhle, Drawing and Sketching Paper, Acid Free, A2, 140gsm. 

The texture is smooth enough. There's only a small amount of ink bleed, which is okay by me. Thick drops of ink sit on the paper and dry without seeping in over time. 

I do think a heavier gsm paper would feel better.

I feel compelled to keep going right to the edge of the paper. 

Ink Drawing Detail - Paper Test - Steph Chalmers - 2012

Working drawings for a story I have in mind

A Man - working drawings - Steph Chalmers - January 2012