Mixografia specializes in printing and publishing three-dimensional prints on handmade paper in close collaboration with artists. By employing a non-traditional approach, the workshop continues to expand the creative possibilities of printmaking.
Mixografia specializes in printing and publishing three-dimensional prints on handmade paper in close collaboration with artists. By employing a non-traditional approach, the workshop continues to expand the creative possibilities of printmaking.
Ink and tools
Inking a printing plate from John Baldessari's 'Concrete Couples' series
Applying paper pulp to the plate
Inking the plate from one of Ed Ruscha's Rusty Signs
The Mixografia® printmaking technique is a unique fine art printing process that allows for the production of three-dimensional prints with elements of relief, texture and very fine surface detail. The process begins when the artist creates a model or “maquette” out of any combination of materials from which the edition will be produced. A sequence of plates is then cast and molded from the maquette, resulting in a reverse three-dimensional cooper printing plate. The plate retains the shape and fine detail of the artist’s original concept. The printing inks are applied by hand on the plate by the Master Printers, and moist paper pulp, produced entirely in-house from pure cotton fibers, is laid over the inked plate. The paper and printing plate are then run through the press under extremely high pressure, forcing the moist paper into every crevice of the highly sensitive printing plate, registering every nuance on its surface and transferring the ink to the paper. Because the paper is still wet as it runs through the press, the ink is absorbed into the paper’s fibers, giving the prints extremely rich, saturated color and fresco-like qualities. After the print has run through the press it is pulled from the plate and set to dry. Once the edition is complete, each print is numbered and signed by the artist.
The Mixografia® printing process is a proprietary process invented and patented by Luis Remba and Shaye Remba. All print and paper-making equipment is built in-house.
Mixografia also produces artworks using the Freepoint® technique, a printing process developed by the Mixografia workshop which provides a flexible alternative to the traditional drypoint method of printmaking. As with drypoint, artists using Freepoint® draw their image on a smooth surface with a sharp instrument, leaving a burr on either side of the incised line. However, Freepoint® allows the image to be created on a soft surface, rather than the traditional hard copper plate. Therefore the artist does not need to exert a lot of force to register the line of the surface, allowing for greater spontaneity and fluidity of movement. Different tools can be used to obtain varying thickness and depth of the line. A cast is taken of the artist’s design, and a printing plate is produced. As in traditional printmaking, the plate is inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the grooves of the printing plate.
