Gel-Plate Printmaking

Gel printmaking is a new and exciting way of creating mono-prints based on an old technology - the hectograph. It involves applying paint to a printing plate made of gel. Textures and depth can be created by applying a variety of tool collected from the recycling and garbage bins, to the paint.  Paper is then placed on top of the paint and a one-of-a-kind print is pulled.  The end product can be a picture, a card, a bookmark, used for collage, etc. BEWARE: this activity is known to be addictive due to the endless possibilities of unique results.

Heather Martens is a Manitoba artist and educator. She conducts workshops through neighbourhood arts centres and in schools through the Manitoba Arts Council. In her own practice she creates collages and mono-prints that explore themes of the natural and human story of our world.