In Our Backyard: New Monotypes of Sights Seen in SF

All of these images are based on sketches I have made in San Francisco - while looking out my window or while walking around our City. In some, the initial sketch may have supplied most of the information for the final print. In others, it may have just provided a starting point that gets filled out by memory.

They are all are monotypes, unique prints produced by applying ink to a blank plate and then transferring the image onto paper by running the plate and paper through a printing press *. I begin by drawing, brushing or rolling ink onto a mylar plate. Then, I remove or add more ink, mask areas and use stencils to create additional shapes on the inked plate. Paper is then placed on top of the inked plate and run through the press, transferring the reversed image to the paper. The print can be left in this fresh state (as are all of these) or can be worked on further.
Even though this method ostensibly produces only one print per inking, the ink remaining on the plate (the "ghost") can be used to print a lighter, reversed version or to be incorporated into a new image. Many of these images are built upon the ghost of a previously printed image. Recycling the "leftovers" of each printing to make new monotypes is one of the greatest challenges of this exciting medium.

I hope you recognize and enjoy seeing some of the little bits of San Francisco that make it the unique place that it is.

Please contact Alan May at 415-567-0298 or email mayalan@aol.com for purchase information, viewing additional artwork or arranging a studio visit.
* Uber Table Press used.