The ink that glows

Goodman, Ben

Abstract

This article for the journal of the Society of Wood Engravers, documents the initial findings of my research into oil-based glazes and the potential for them to be combined with traditional wood engraving. The article is a slightly more in-depth and extended version of my Printmaking Today article and is aimed specifically at the ‘engraving community’.
In this project, funded by a UWE Bristol ‘RIS research grant’, I reworked traditional glazing mediums and pigments to create a printing medium suitable for wood engraving. The article outlines the main technical challenges and achievements, such as suitable ingredients, pigment selection and a brief explanation of the science underpinning the technique.
The research culminated in the creation of Hera, a large, multi-layered wood engraving that utilizes these glazing inks to replicate the glowing, flesh-like qualities of skin. The work demonstrates the potential of adapting oil painting techniques to the medium of print. This paper not only advances the technical integration of glazing into printmaking but also explores the historical context and artistic implications of using light and opacity to mimic natural materials in art.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 13, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 10, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 10, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jan 15, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 11, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Issue: 65
• Pages: 10-12
• Keywords: Wood engraving, glazing, oil painting
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13617236
• Publisher URL: https://www.societyofwoodengravers.co.uk/