Salsipuedes

A monotype is literally one of a kind. It is not a method of multiplication. Swift, sure creativity is its demand; immediacy, freshness, spontaneous magic are its gifts. An artist makes an image with a ‘liquid’ or ‘wet’ medium on a wood, metal or glass surface. Paper is laid over the moist image, and the two are bonded together under pressure. The paper is then pulled off, bringing with it the transposed monotype. At once simple and complicated, the process leaves no room for doubt. The artist must think in reverse, and account for the flattening and blending of pigments in the printing press.

Unsuccessful works are soon disposed of, but perfectly printed and conceived images remain single and unrepeatable. In this age of mechanical reproduction gone rampant, when notions of printmaking are sadly confused by photographic intrusions and unrestrained screenprint and offset runs, the monotype retains an absorbing individuality and uniqueness.

Sourced from: Ted Gott, ‘Salispuedes (leave if you can)’, in John Walker, Salsipuedes: Monotypes 1986, National Gallery of Victoria, 1987, p.2.