Prints from Carved Stone

For a while now I’ve been experimenting with ways of extending the life and reach of stones I carve. Not everyone is in a position to buy a piece of carved stone, whether it’s because of budget or lack of room, etc. So I wanted to try and use a finished stone to make something that was a bit more affordable, could be sold in editions, but it still wholly unique.

Traditionally, wax rubbings have been made from stone memorials and monumental brasses, but I’ve found it hard to make consistent and nuanced prints with this method, so I did quite a bit of research and discovered the art of ink rubbings. Ink rubbings are often used in conservation and with historical artifacts, and because ink is used to make the image, a level of subtly is possible.

An Ink rubbing with the original carved slate stone next to it.

And so, with a bunch of trial and error (a process which is still going on, by the way), I’ve managed to make my own printmaking tools and render my own limited runs off of some of the stone I’ve carved. While the prints are consistent, each one is still unique and full of subtly difference from all the other prints in an edition. I hope to have some of these prints available in my shop very soon.

Using the raised elements on this stone, I was able to make a very graphic print.