There are four major classes of printmaking techniques, intaglio, relief printing, stenciling, and lithography. Intaglio printing derives its’s name from the Italian intagliare, meaning to incise. Among intaglio techniques are engraving, etching, drypoint, aquatint, and mezzotint. Using one or a combination of these techniques an image is cut, scratched or etched into the printing surface or plate. Copper or zinc are historically the most common surfaces (plates) used however, aluminum, magnesium, plastics or even coated paper are used. When using a metal plate a waxy ground is applied to the surface and then using a scribe, needle or texture this ground can be removed in specific areas, leaving the metal surface exposed. The metal plate is immersed in an acid bath, where the acid bites into the incised/exposed areas. The waxy ground is removed and the plate is covered in ink and wiped. The wiping removes ink from the smooth surface area of the plate and leaves ink in the incised/etched areas. The inked plate is printed on damp paper using a press, the paper is forced into the etched area collecting the ink and resulting in an image left behind on the paper.  

"Fish in Astral Projection under Moons" presents an exquisite translation of Vickers' textiles that is truly unique. Artists for Kids is grateful to learn from and support this work through the team at New Leaf and with Vickers personally. Artists for Kids would like to acknowledge Vickers’ generous contribution to our program, in sharing her time, and of her remarkable donation of this print to our program.