Digital Alchemy: Printmaking techniques for fine art, photography, and mixed media

19. Direct Printing onto Metal Leaf

One of my favorite metals to work with is copper. I find that it glows with warmth and has a rich luster that adds an almost elemental quality to my work. I became hooked on it, and developed the SuperSauce transfer process (see Chapter 6) so that I could use real copper clad sheets I found in a salvage yard.

I wanted to try direct printing, but unfortunately most copper is either too heavy or too soft to properly feed through a printer—even if you mount it or smash it flat. I know from experience, and I regret my attempts! After searching for another option, I finally set out to replicate my own copper substrate ...