In 2016 I created a piece of work using 2 plates: a zinc plate with some imaginary plants and a solar plate with an image of Elian and the vortex he is about to explore. These plates were printed separately before combining in stage 3 of the project. I loved the first plate, I loved the second plate, and I hated them combined.

I had several attempts to reconcile my issues by changing colours and selective wiping but was never happy with the outcome. Now, 8 years later, I’m revisiting it. This is a lesson in never throwing away old plates or prints, as gained experience over time can often work in your favour.

If you’ve clicked on the links in this post you will see how terrible my results were first time round and what an improvement the new print is on those.

Elian is sharp and very distinct as he makes his way through the mist surrounding him. The vortex is clearly his destination and is sufficiently visible as a solid focal point, enabling the viewer to wonder what he may find when (and if) he reaches it. I selected stormy grey ink as this wipes back to a good light grey plate tone as opposed to black which would create a harsher more dense ‘mist’.

The left hand ‘bone’ fronds are olive green, made from stormy grey and primrose yellow. The colour is great but the intensity isn’t there. I don’t want them too dominating but they do need strengthening.

The right hand blooms are orange, again not strong enough but I’m definitely on the right track. In my next iteration I’ll probably add geranium red to the orange to bring more energy to the area and I have yet to add the chine collé to these flower heads.

So still some work to do on this, but so much more positive than my previous outcomes. It never pays to give up. If something doesn’t work first or second time just put it aside and have another go at a later date.