Melissa Harshman: Breast Stroke
Artist(s):
Title:
- Breast Stroke
Exhibition:
Creation Year:
- 1999
Medium:
- Lithography
Size:
- 16 inches x 16 inches
Category:
Keywords:
Artist Statement:
For the last three years I have been exploring ways in which to incorporate digital images into traditional printmaking practices. Thus far I have experimented with serigraphy, Xerox transfer to traditional litho plates, Pronto industrial litho offset plates, and photo positive litho plates. Currently I am using photo negative litho plates to transform my images from digital files to a finished print. The image “Breast Stroke” was made in Adobe PhotoShop and then printed in four- color CMYK separations with photo positive litho plates.
A digital portfolio I was invited to be in, “Pictionary,” inspired my current body of work entitled “Word Play,” which includes “Breast Stroke.” The only requirement for inclusion in the portfolio was the image had to contain either a dictionary or encyclopedia image. I especially liked using the dictionary image and started my hunt for old dictionaries at flea markets and antique stores. Each of the prints in “Word Play” began by scanning in an image that appealed to me from an old dictionary. I would then respond and build upon that image. Some of the pieces are completely whimsical while others have underlying political content. All use text in some form. My goal was to create prints that were aesthetically pleasing and conceptually significant, often playing off the meaning of the chosen icon.
Affiliation Where Artwork Was Created:
- University of Georgia
