etching process

My etchings are made using zinc plates and hard ground.

First, I grind down and smooth the sharp edges of the zinc. Then the ground is painted over the plate and left to dry. Using a fine, sharp etching tool, I etch my design into the plate. the plate is then submerged in nitric acid. the acid “bites” the design into the metal. After the acid bath, ink is spread across the plate and carefully wiped off of the surface. the rest of the ink is left in the recesses of the design. Paper is usually hand-torn, then laid atop the plate before going through the press. Out comes one unique print.

Inking and pressing is then repeated based on edition number.