Collaboration with the Master Printer, Monsieur Philippe Parage

Abstract

Printmaking’s primary interest for me is the way it captures the traces of an action or sequence of actions, which may be as varied as the artist’s imagination, ranging from thumbprints and football marks on a wall-hung paper through to laser printers triggered by the random passage of gallery visitors. In this article, I would like to focus on and draw out some of the forces that mould the traces of actions in the completed print that are inherent in collaboration. I shall give some background information before discussing the nature of the working relationship that has developed between Philippe and I, followed by a narrative of our collaboration. I will conclude with a description of our financial arrangement.