Saffron Journeys - Limited Edition of 1 Print

My monotype,"Saffron Journeys" is part of an ongoing series of artworks about seeking peace and justice in a world in need of harmony. In the mountains of Northern Thailand rising above the city of Chiang Mai, peaks are often caught in an early morning sea of fog. Written as ทะเลหมอก in Thai, this mist often covers the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak. On the mountain slope- two Buddhist stupas, often referred to as chedis in Thailand, sit to honor the monarchs of Thailand. Known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and -Nophamethanidon, the chedis were named to reflect the power of the sky and the grace of the land. My monotype "Saffron Journeys" is set in this mist shrouded landscape. A Buddhist monk in a saffron robe appears and then seems to merge into the air. The color of their robes is considered the color of illumination or satori – the highest wisdom. Exhibited at The Other Art Fair Chicago 2018 and The Other Art Fair Los Angeles at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica in October 2018. Notes on the Monotype Process Spontaneity characterizes the monotype. A monotype is generally made by brushing printer's ink or oil paint onto a smooth surface such as glass or a metal plate. The image is then transferred to paper before it dries, using a printing press or other means of pressure. I usually use a copper plate on which I paint an idea in oil based etching inks. Next I lay the plate onto the bed of a printing press and put a sheet of blank paper on top of the ink laden plate. The plate and paper are then run through the printing press under great pressure. Because most of the image is transferred in the printing process, only one strong impression can be taken, hence the term monotype (one print). Additional impressions of the residual image are often printed (ghosts). They are significantly fainter than the first pull, yet at times these lighter, open images are successful as works of art. The personal nature of the monotype suited experimental artists from William Blake to Edgar Degas to Milton Avery to Mitchell Friedman. These artists used the monotype process to fashion works of great depth and mystery. Their artworks inspire my own. Please Note: This artwork is printed on a 30"x22" sheet of paper and the plate size (image size) is 18"x12" so a nice clean border surrounds the image.