I see the term ‘color photogravure’ here and there but never really know what it means. Is it a photogravure printed with a vibrant conté color ink? Or is it a plate inked simultaneously with multiple colors, like Aperture’s version of Steichen’s Moonrise, Mamaroneck? Or maybe it means plates run through the press multiple times each time using a separate color ink to achieve some type of Warhol screen-print effect?
Well Crown Point Press has teamed up with Susan Middleton (celebrated photographer of endangered species) to set the record straight. Together they have produced a series of true full-color photogravures.
The technique incorporated produces four-color positive separations from a color negative and etches each onto four individual copper plates. The plates are then inked with the appropriate color and printed in perfect registration resulting in a full-range color photogravure.
And while I have not seen one in person, I can’t help to believe that they would be anything less than beautiful. I hope to see one soon. If you are anywhere near the Crown Point Gallery in San Francisco, then it would be worth a visit to see for yourself.
The Crown Point Press gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A brochure is available.
Learning the Language of the Realm
Featuring photogravures by Susan Middleton
February 27-April 7, 2009
Video of Susan Middleton talking about the project
Lunch at Blackbird… just awesome. Duck Tartare with strawberries, Lamb Sausage with Pickled Tongue, Braised Beef neck and hangar steak.