Marina Terauds

I primarily work with intaglio print techniques on copper and zinc plates. The term “intaglio”, from the Italian “intagliare”, means “to carve or cut into”. In my artwork I use different intaglio techniques: etching, aquatint, mezzotint, drypoint and engraving. My subject matter originates from my memory and my imagination. Nature is my main inspiration. In my art I like to merge reality with imagination, life with fantasy, obtained things with desired ones. I like symbols and metaphors and try to use them in my art. I first develop my ideas through a series of sketches and then work with the chosen composition directly on the metal plate using different techniques. The process begins with a metal plate, which is covered with an acid resistant, waxy substance, called hard or soft ground. Then, using etching needles an image is scratched through the ground exposing the metal. The plate then enters an acid bath and the acid bites or makes a groove into the plate wherever the metal has been exposed. Next, ink is forced into the incisions or grooves and the plate surface is wiped clean. Printing paper is selected, dampened to soften its fibers, and placed over the plate. The plate and paper run through an etching press under high pressure. The result is a unique, reverse image of the plate, with a distinct plate mark, and a rich texture. The texture of an etching is the result of the etching paper being forced into all of the inked recesses on the plate. Colors may be applied directly in different areas of the plate and carefully wiped, or two(and more) plates may be used to achieve multiple color effects. Each plate is hand inked, wiped and printed as a limited edition. The numbers in the left-hand corner of the print indicate the unique number of the print followed by the total number of prints in the edition. All papers are of 100‰ rag content and all matting materials are acid-free.