Mokulito is based on the principles of lithography, but the stone is replaced by a plywood plate. It was discovered by Japanese professor Seishi Ozaku in the 1970s, and further developed by polish professor in lithography Josef Budka and his daughter Ewa Budka, who also is a printmaker. She has been teaching the technique to classes at Art Print Studio, and now Ariadna is teaching the technique to visiting artists.
The great advantage by using plywood, is the possibility of adding woodcut to the image, which means you can mix drawing, painting and cutting in one single plate!!! And of course chine collé/collage. I started out with a small plate, adding lots of marks, to get an overview of the possibilities. During the process you discover the personality, the soul, of your plate, and for each print something new is added. I love this organic process, being in dialogue and challenging the plate. The plate should never dry out, but be kept damp on both sides all the time. When you finish the printing for the day, your plate is done.
After my first plate the size was increased. I wanted a floating image, which would change and adapt to different layers of collage. In one print I would be emphasizing the middle of the image, in another I would lead focus to other parts. The plate was first inked up with red, and then rolled over with deep green on chosen areas. What a day!!! I grabbed a slice of bread, had one mouthful every now and then, in this non-stop-printing-circus.
Pictures: 1: my first plate in small size, 2: Ariadna keeping the plate damp, 3: lifting the print in the press, 4: all versions are different because of the chine collé/collage.
