The many types of printing in art

What’s original about an original print? Local artist, Jackie Knotts, explains

“Perhaps it is easier to say that it is not printed mechanically on a copier - unless it’s a digital image created on a computer An image is inked and printed by hand, usually using a printing press There are many ways to create an image - lino cut, woodcut, etching, collagraph, lithograph, cyanotype and monotype Screen prints are printed using a squeegee

“Some woodcut or lino-cut images can take months to cut The final image might involve several blocks Given the amount of time taken to create the image, it makes sense to print multiple copies, each called an edition The more copies are made, the less exclusive it becomes (but not necessarily cheaper) The edition number is written in the left-hand corner of the print, and once the artist has decided what that number is, it cannot be increased

“Many mass-produced reproductions are sold as ‘limited edition’ as a marketing ploy Check the number if it is on the print - it could be several thousand It may be a limited edition, but it is not an original print

“A monoprint is just one print. Gelatine prints are a fun and easy way to make prints without the need for a printing press It is also possible to burnish the back of a piece of paper laid over a lino or woodblock using the back of a spoon Paper is an important component of the printing process Some handmade paper can be very expensive As with everything, you get what you pay for A print printed on cartridge