Tools and Techniques

TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

Preparing the raw material for engraving is the first step. This laborious process requires much sanding and buffing to achieve a perfect smooth surface.

I am a purist. I only use a hand held, finely honed, metal engraving tool to achieve texture and line. I apply ink to the surface of the material, letting it dry, then engraving through it, creating a white line against a black background. The final step is the moment of truth – the ink is removed from the surface but stays in the lines to reveal the positive image.

I am a purist. I only use a hand held, finely honed, metal engraving tool to achieve texture and line

Engraving tool (a carbide tipped scribe), India ink
and a half-finished polar bear motif

Etching the inverse image using a photo-negative technique

The moment of truth – the ink is removed from the surface but stays in the lines to reveal the positive image

TOOLS & ​TECHNIQUE

TOOLS &
TECHNIQUE