Etching with woodcut

An intaglio technique that uses commercially developed photopolymer plates. A transparent positive is exposed to the plate, which has been pre-coated with a thin layer of light-sensitised polymer. When developed or ‘etched’ with water, a shallow image is produced on the plate with a subtle tonal range. Once inked-up, the plate is rolled through an etching press and the image transferred onto paper.

A woodcut is a relief print made from a block of wood. Sharp tools are used to cut away areas of the wooden surface to create the design. Ink is then applied to the surface of the block using a roller. Paper is laid on top of the block and the image transferred onto the paper, either using a press or by hand pressure.