About Event:
Suited both to the beginner and those with experience in print methods, we’ll experiment and have fun with gel plate print methods. We will have a range of gel plates available for this session, from A5 and A4, plus some larger A3 plates. For those who have previous experience, you may wish to use a larger plate.
In the morning session, we will share the essence of the method, starting with Maisie-Jane demonstrating. Then everyone will try the technique individually. The afternoon session will allow more time for participants to experiment with the techniques learned in the morning.
We’ll go a bit deeper with our experiments with gel plate print methods, exploring monochrome, ghost prints, layering and the comparative results from different paint brands and paper.
Gel plate printing is an easy to learn art printing technique requiring no prior experience in print methods, or indeed art. It is a monoprinting process – that is every individual print is unique. This sets it apart from, for example, linocut or woodblock prints where a succession (edition) of near identical images is printed off.
The process uses a printing block made of a silicone compound that is a little flexible and soft, to which one applies a water based paint with a brayer (roller) or brushes. The printing block can also be home-made from a gelatin mixture (unless you are vegan!)
Once prepared with colour usually a mask of a flat object is placed on the plate, this can be paper shapes, stencils or leaves.Then paper is applied and a print taken, This can be repeated then different colours and stencils applied and overprinted.
The spontaneity of the method allows – indeed encourages – explorations and it is good to “expect the unexpected” when producing images. Once the basic technique is acquired many possibilities open up. Most of all it is fun!
Workshop facilitator:
Maisie-Jane is currently in her second creative period as an artist. In the late 1970s, she specialised in painting mandalas with gouache, utilising sacred geometry as a foundational design element. Her artistic repertoire also included linocut and woodblock techniques for crafting smaller pieces.
Since her artistic resurgence post-2018, Maisie-Jane has delved into a diverse range of mediums, including mixed-media on paper, acrylic on canvas, collage, digital art, and recently, gel plate printmaking. This phase of her artistry has seen her explore meta-representation and symbolism drawn from Hinduism and Buddhism.
Her inspiration is deeply rooted in the natural world and draws from myth and ritual, with a special affinity for the rich artistic traditions of Bali, which she has often visited to immerse herself in her creative process.
Reconnecting with her art has provided Maisie with a renewed and open-ended avenue for her creativity, fostering an ongoing learning journey. Furthermore, it has connected her with a vibrant and inspiring artistic community both locally and internationally.
From 2023 to 2025, Maisie-Jane has taught small introductory workshops in gel-plate printing methods both in Queensland and in Bali. This will be her sixth offering at Chenrezig Art Studio.
Tuition session 10 am – 12 noon
12 noon- lunch option at Big Love cafe or BYO
Extra practice time and supplementary guidance 1 pm- 3 pm
In the morning session, we will share the essence of the method, starting with Maisie-Jane demonstrating. Then everyone will try the technique individually. The afternoon session will allow more time for participants to experiment with the techniques learned in the morning.
What to prepare:
Dress in paint friendly clothing and come and create!
Everything needed for you to learn and use the process will be provided. However, you may wish to pick a few botanical samples to play with. Soft smallish leaves work well. You can also bring some thin stencils.
How to book for the workshop:
To maximise learning, spaces are limited to 8 persons, and a firm commitment when booking is requested.
The cost of the workshop is $85, which covers the two sessions (and all materials). 30% of the cost is a donation to Chenrezig Institute for use of facilities.
To book for the workshop, https://maisie-jane-art.com/
Cancellation policies – free cancellation up to 7 days before the event. 1-6 days before – 50% refund. No refunds for last-day cancellations or no-shows
Lunches and dinner at the Big Love Cafe:
A lovely vegetarian lunch is available at the Big Love cafe between 12 noon and 2 pm. Please book at least 24 hours in advance.
Book online via https://chenrezig.com.au/big-love-cafe
Dinners also available on Saturday evenings 5 pm – 7 pm.