Relief
In relief printmaking, ink is applied to the raised surface of a matrix, such as wood or linoleum, and then transferred to paper. Common relief techniques include woodcuts, wood engravings, and linocuts, each offering distinct textures and mark-making possibilities. I often use halftone imagery and polymer plates to create photo-based relief plates, allowing for detailed tonal variation within the relief process.
Letterpress
Letterpress is a relief printing technique where raised, inked surfaces—typically metal or wood type and image blocks—are pressed into paper to create an impression. The process allows for crisp typography, rich textures, and deep embossing. I sometimes use a Vandercook letterpress to print my photopolymer relief plates, combining traditional letterpress techniques with contemporary photo-based imagery.
