Ok, last image was of the plate up in the chase/press. For those/any interested, my press is a very old Kelsey 5×8″ tabletop. I love the rattle-and-clank … a lot of noise and action, very, very analog ….
Print quality:
My original intent was to print so lightly that the text would be obfuscated (takes me back to Click and Clack, the tappet brothers) … barely legible, thinking it is actually background information, visual information. As it printed, it was darker gray than I intended, but decided to let it go as it was also printing unevenly … which didn’t bother me much as that also served to render the image/text fuzzy, secondary to the painting to come. I think I’ll go with it as-is for a few paintings, see how I like it after a some are complete …
Later: here’s a sample of the prints … I like it very much!!
For those curious, here’s the text in full:
A steeple consists of a tower crowned by a spire. At its simplest, it provides a structure and a roof. In its more profound function, it is a civic and spiritual focal point, serving as a component of both visual and audio communication. At times, it exists as an inspiring spiritual symbol. Architecturally, and from a distance, a steeple might offer the location of a church or meeting hall. It may also house a bell which could ring a tune, provide a village with the time of day, or a rally cry in times of an emergency. For the Christian, steeples serve as a reminder to look upwards in hope, reverence, and in anticipation. Structurally, the steeple may serve as a “mount” for a cross and, as a whole, a symbol of victorious faith. As noted, the steeple often serves as home for a bell – here used to call the faithful to prayer and worship. From a relatively low perspective, looking up towards a steeple’s cross suggests a needed and freeing humility, offering an upward reach to Heaven – the human counterpart to God’s outstretched hand. The steeple brings a sense of need for
closeness to God – an architectural mountain top. As faith-based prayers are sent up, the steeple points the way: True North on a spiritual compass rose.
Now, on to the paintings!
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