Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak

You might have seen glimpses of a new printmaking series on Instagram, and I thought I tell you a bit more about it.

New Collagraph Prints by minu
New Collagraph Prints by minu

The printing plates are made using recycled Tetra Paks, and the prints have an aged look – you can almost feel that something old or used is involved. So far, I have managed only a few prints from each plate and the prints all have their individual quirks.

How It’s Done

STEP 1 – First, I open the carton, wash it, and let it dry. Then, I place the design, taking the folds and creases of the carton into account, and cut the plate.

Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak

STEP 2 – I scratch the design into the surface with an etching needle, or remove the coating completely for extra dark shading.

Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak

STEP 3 – Once the plate is completed, I ink it like any other intaglio plate and run it through the etching press.

Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak

The grey shading is amazing, but for this series I mix the colours on the plate, and touch-up the prints with coloured pencils to give the design some more vibrance.

Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak
Collagraph printmaking using Tetra Pak

And that’s how it’s done … or how I do it!

Resources

Watch the great Tetra Pak Etching Movie by The Virtual Art Room on Youtube, or follow the amazing Karen Wicks @iacartroom on Instagram for more tutorials.

More examples, some for sale

You can find a few more examples in my online shop.


More art updates and making videos can be found at @minufreitag on Instagram and TikTok, all follow option can be found here.

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