London-based artist Liz Rideal uses the photo-booth to create photo collages. In this process, the artist's hand is physically removed from the creation of an image. Intrigued by another avenue to experiment with this methodology, Rideal came to Aurobora Press to duplicate her "hands-off" process with the machinery, tools and inks associated with the intaglio press.At the outset of her residency, Rideal began deliberately cutting BFK Rives paper into 8 1/4" long strips. She then inked black along the edges of each paper strip to create a simulation of a photo negative frame and then methodically used her hand prints along with a single primary color to create human-sized versions ( 6 1/2' x 5 1/2') of past photo-booth subjects -- a circle (blue), square (red) and triangle (yellow) -- in a monotype suite entitled Ideal Forms.
In another suite of work, Rideal used inked tarlatan over and over again, counter-proofing royal blues and sepia tones to create shadowy silk-like swirls that mimic her recent photo collages. These monotypes have a fluid, ethereal component to the imagery that has much to do with both the imprint of the netted fabric and the way each monoprint was deftly counter proofed and over printed during subsequent passes. Rideal also experimented with stencils of stylized hands used in traditional Hindu ceremonies. These monoprints were printed on Japanese papers which give these prints both a delicate and direct presence.