Cecilia Swatton

Inspired by one of the videos of StencilGirl's MaryBeth Shaw, I've tried something new -- using stencils and masks with low-viscosity media.  Using low-viscosity ("runny") media means taking risks!  And getting surprises!  Because runny media will flow under the the areas of a mask or stencil that would otherwise remain paint-free.

For this series of experiments, I chose Sumi ink.  This black ink beads up when brushed across paper with glossy surfaces as well as paper previously coated with acrylic paints.  Sometimes the beads are small; other times, they stretch out into pools.  Either way, the lift of the stencil or mask will bring a surprise.  No two prints will match, nor will any of the prints be exact replicas of the stencils or masks used in their creation.

For my approach, I wasn't stingy in the amount of ink I used; instead, I brushed it in generous swipes over the stencils and masks.  This guaranteed a lot of beading and pooling on the papers under the stencils.

Above:  On acrylic-painted paper, I used the 6" x 6" stencil Kaleid.

Above:  On acrylic-painted paper, I used 6" x 6" stencil Pavilion Shadows.

Above:  On acrylic-painted paper, I again used my 6" x 6" stencil Kaleid.  Besides being coated with acrylic paints, this paper was textured.  Its original source had been an outdated Braille catalog.

Above:  On acrylic-painted paper, I again used 6" x 6" stencil Pavilion Shadows.

Above:  On glossy photo paper, previously printed with a photo, I used Sumi ink with my 6" x 6" stencil Trivet C.  Trivet C is one in a series of trivet stencils I've designed for StencilGirl.

I encourage you, too, to try something new ... it's good for you!

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