Chapter 1

Introduction


My main researches at present are as follows:

  1. Research into what kind of chemical reaction happens with weak acid solution of gum arabic to the wood plates of the plywoodgraphy.
  2. Development of the brushing-up liquid for plywoodgraph: neutralize, resolve and remove the weak acid of gum arabic for returning the state of the wood plate before putting weak acid solution of gum arabic on the plywoodgraphic plate.
  3. Resolve and remove the wood-filling made by dissolving animal glue dissolved in hot water and adding alum on the plywoodgraphic plate.
  4. Returning the state of the wood plate before putting silicon: common to waterless lithography.
  5. Research on new materials which is easy to get and suitable for the climate for development into new techniques of planography, including plywoodgraphy: it is important for establishing the techniques in each country.


Plywoodgraphy is a new technique of planography. A plywood board is used instead of stone or aluminum; it is a wood version of lithography.

The technique has characteristics of planographic printing and relief printing with woodblock. It is possible to cut the plate with chisels and then emboss on paper. The most striking attribute is that the technique leaves an impression of wood grain on prints. New textures may be created with plywood board using mixed gesso and talc. This technique allows for the creation of polychromatic prints using oil ink and watercolors together with one plate. Lacquer or silicone is used for creating plates, similar to aluminum lithography.

Furthermore, it is also possible to make waterless plywoodgraphs by using the waterless lithographic process developed by Professor Nik Semenoff who is from Canada.

However, there is no way to make the action on the plywoodgraphic printing plate for redrawing at present: to date, no method has been discovered about it and a solution to this problem remains open to research. It is very important point to solve the way for popularizing the technique and my research is mainly centered on this point at present.

Comprehending the lithography is indispensable for research and development of new technique and material. I will describe the basic principles of lithography and each detail of chemical action for making printing plate which involved in the primary materials.

Last, I will mention about my ideas by trial and error in my life. It may help artists and extends their field of activity.


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