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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

non-toxic intaglio, printmaking, intaglio processes, acrylic grounds

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

Intaglio printmaking is a process that carries with it a tradition of hazardous chemicals and solvents that is not only dangerous for artists and students, but also for the environment. As an artist, I am concerned with the negative effects of working with these substances. In our day of increased health and safety awareness, as well as environmental consciousness, certain traditional methods of printmaking are being replaced with safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly processes. Traditional techniques are expensive, and it is difficult to continue working with these processes outside of a university with a well-equipped shop. The dangers and expenses of setting up a personal studio with the necessary chemicals, solvents, and appropriate safety equipment often outweigh the benefits of doing so. In the past, non-toxic methods were cumbersome and impractical. Recent innovations, however, have made non-toxic techniques equal, if not technically superior to traditional intaglio processes. Additionally, once the facilities are up and running it is significantly cheaper to maintain a non-toxic shop.

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