Gelli Prints

For this project, I experimented with gelli blocks and making gelli prints. This concept of art was totally new to me. My main goal for my artwork was to use textures to create a story within my artwork. For example, I used nets as a texture which is how I came up with making it ocean and lobster-themed. Although this concept was new to me, I think all the practice from the previous print-making unit defiantly helped me understand this project better.

To make these pieces, I first rolled out some ink on a block. Rolling ink for this project was easier than regular print-making ink because it was a lot softer and lighter. After that, I put the ink on my gelli block and put things like nets, bubble wrap, and rubber bands on the block. Rubbing the paper onto the textured gelli block was a little difficult because I had to try and make sure that all of the little holes in the nets and rubber bands were getting ink on them. It took a few tries to get prints that I liked but once I got the hang of it, it was really fun. After making the final prints, I chose one to color on I used markers to make it look like the ocean because the blue really reminded me of water and the rubber bands gave me that vibe as well.

This project was very sudden and short but I really enjoyed especially because of the brand new materials. The process that went through my head after making the prints was simple. I knew immediately after first looking at them that I wanted to make one ocean-themed. I love the way it turned out and it seems like something that may be in a picture book. The materials allowed it to be easier to experiment because I could make them so quickly.