PROCESS DESCRIPTION: Photopolymer gravure is a contemporary, non-toxic approach to intaglio printmaking that builds on the tradition of 19th-century copperplate etching. The process uses pre-coated, light-sensitive, steel-backed polymer plates. A positive photographic image is printed on clear film, then transferred through a two-exposure process: first, the plate is exposed to an aquatint screen under UV light to help prevent over-biting; second, the positive film is exposed onto the plate. The plate is then developed in water, blotted, and hardened with UV light. Once hardened, it is inked with etching inks and printed on watercolor paper. This method supports a wide range of ink colors and paper choices, offering flexibility for varied photographic and printmaking effects.
ARTIST STATEMENT Solitude Series, 2020 Photopolymer Gravure Etchings
Solitude is a series about place, specifically, the Oregon coast. My creative process begins directly on the land: walking in isolation, looking closely and feeling deeply. As an artist, spending time in the landscape transports me away from the modern world of bright colors, loud noises, and constant sensory bombardment. While photographing in nature, I slow down and reconnect with the earth, seeing the world more clearly. I am drawn in by the deep shadows of the forest, the moist and fragrant earth, and the lush foliage.
The images begin as iPhone photographs. I then turn them into small, intimate, photopolymer gravure etchings. The ink palette is warm conjuring up memory and dreams, referencing times past. My intent is to reach the viewer on a primal level of feeling rather than thinking. Through mystery, ambiguity, and beauty I hope to encourage greater awareness in the viewer of the need for conservation and preservation.
ARTIST BIO Karen Hymer was born in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her BFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Tufts University, Medford and her MA and MFA in Fine Art Photography from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Karen actively exhibits her work both nationally and internationally. Her work is in several public collections, including the Center for Creative Photography and the Polaroid International Collection. Dark Spring Press released the first book of her work in April 2018.
Karen’s approach to image making explores the blending of photosensitive materials, digital media, and printmaking. She is fascinated with how the passage of time affects the human body and other natural elements in the world. In addition to working as a fine art photographer, Karen taught photography for over 25 years at Pima Community College, Tucson.
In 2018 Karen relocated to Silver City, NM to open and operate Light Art Space in the historic downtown district. The space features galleries, wet darkrooms, a sculpture garden, and a printmaking/teaching studio. Karen teaches workshops and private sessions in Photopolymer Gravure and other alternative photographic processes. She lives on 28 acres of pinon - juniper forest with her standard poodle, Nigel, in an off the grid solar adobe home.
