Single White and Shadow

The simplicity and open centre of this 5 petal rose, that grows and flowers abundantly, captures my attention ever so often. Upon sketching in the dusk, I observed this beautiful and modest rose’s dark shadow pattern. I contemplated the association of roses that bring joy, white that often symbolises purity and shadow, in contrast, that we often concatenate with darkness and fear. How come? For without darkness we cannot see the stars and even the seed springs from the dark earth. Light and dark are opposite states of being and integral parts of life that afford opportunity to appreciate and grow from whatever state of being we are in, for it is never permanent.

The Process:

I observed, photographed, sketched and etched the copper plate. After aquatinting, I added tonal value and darkened the rose shadow by allowing an open bite of the plate. The backgrounds, much to my liking, of the Variable Editions are experimental decisions taken whilst I was inking the plates.
I thoroughly value the printmaking process that requires patience and understanding for the rich history and etiquette and enjoy the process as it
unfolded.

I decided to print only 8 Editions some Variables on Hahnemühle 300g paper.

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