Artist Catherine Mc Cue Boes

Stone lithography  Titled ‘The Puppets’, I believe I was going through a developmental stage when I created this work. My inspiration came from a simple childhood memory of a mobile string puppet show with fabulous characters and costumes. I found the puppets to be both sad and frightening. Initially, I wanted to become familiar with the lithograph process, allowing the drawing to glide smoothly over the smooth stone. Materials used, included litho crayons, soft and hard, greasy liquid or stick  tusche for washes and pencils.

 Mokulito  .  State Prints Having completed a set of prints, two plate mokulito, I decided to review the state prints, single plate mokulito. Influenced by traditional Japanese art, particularly woodblock printing, I introduced gold leaf and acrylic paints to the printed mokulito. The result was pleasing and emphasised the grey printed background, which is common in wood lithograph.

MOKULITO 4 Norma with Red Bird The latest work, employing plywood, has been printed successfully. I utilised chine collie on some of the images, while others will be hand-coloured. The plate was covered in gum for an extended period of four weeks, without any adverse effects. Using the transfer blue paper, the image was initially drawn from a life model, photograph, and subsequently reworked using computer software. The image was then printed directly onto the blue litho transfer paper using a large-format printer. Subsequently, the image was placed on the plywood and run through the etching press, applying firm pressure to transfer the image to the plate. Alternatively, I could have worked on the blue paper with litho pencils, crayons, and ink, then simply transfer to the plate, coat with gum, and leave for a few days. However, I prefer drawing directly on the plywood as I derive pleasure from the process and enjoy cutting out areas to produce pure white. Upon completing the printing,...

MOKULITO 3 Another two-plate wood lithograph has been created. This image underwent processing solely using gum, which was left to dry for three days. The outcomes were significantly superior to the initial image, which was etched using a gum acid mixture on a pre-milked, sanded board. An additional aspect of this process involved cutting out sections of the plywood to create white areas, which I found aesthetically pleasing. The commencement of the new year has been marked by an engaging period of experimentation with wood lithography techniques. The initial works are inspired by the Girls Own series, which commenced in 2018. The first image produced utilising Mokulito is an homage to Harriet, an abolitionist campaigner, and Clara, who is credited with establishing the Red Cross association. Both works employ Luna wood, comprising two plates each, and chine collie. Initially, some prints were produced as single-plate editions, while others were printed as two-plate colour runs. The to...

MOKULITO  In the studio, I have been diligently working on a project that has been on hold for some time. I am pleased to have finally found the time to begin. I am currently working on plywood to add a colour plate to my wood  lithography. The process has proven to be quite fascinating, and I intend to continue researching and discussing my findings on website . .  

Mokulito  It  appears to be an unconventional method of commencing, but wood lithography or mokulito offers a remarkable alternative to stone lithography. Essentially, it operates in the same manner, albeit without the necessity of substantial stone and specialised printing presses. While it is feasible to print without using a press, this particular series of work will employ an etching press. To begin this project, select images from my brief two-minute sketches. These sketches use different life models and aren’t intended to be completed works. I was looking for bold lines and simple compositions, and I didn’t want to invest too much time in them, as it’s the mokulito process, that iam interested in. I started  this project by selecting images from my sketches. These are concise two-minute sketches featuring various life models and are not intended to be completed works.   

MOKULITO  As a printmaker, I find it challenging to accept that the sole viable approach is to adhere to traditional methods and techniques exclusively for print production. While endeavouring to sustain my artistic endeavours, I ventured into the realm of digital and large-format printing. Securing a living through my art proved unfeasible, necessitating the production of archival prints for photographers and artists to support my income. In my fascination with the potential of merging traditional printmaking with digital techniques, I embarked on a research journey. As a university student, I was introduced to photography, which captivated me. However, it was not until later in my career that I connected printmaking with the possibility of combining the two to create hybrid prints. Located approximately 130 kilometres from Eronmanga, southwest Queensland, lies a gas plant. During my tenure as an artist in residence, I was granted the freedom to explore the surrounding landscape. ...

Hybrid printmaking In the midst of a full-house renovation, my schedule has been severely curtailed, leaving me with only one day a week dedicated to studio work. Despite this, I have managed to continue working on some ideas for new hybrid prints and drawings. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over our lives, and it has been a challenging two years. The constant discussions surrounding the virus have made it difficult to escape its influence. It is undeniable that this pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives, and it is time to reflect on the significance of freedom of movement and travel. I share the sentiments of many others who have family members currently in lockdown. Unfortunately, I am unable to visit or provide assistance to them. The isolation and restrictions imposed are undoubtedly difficult, but they are crucial in controlling the ever-evolving nature of this virus. Returning to work, I am currently focussing on digital prints, which reflect my current...

 Artist book Here are additional images of the now-complete artist’s book, which has taken several years to complete. During this time, several state prints were created. These early trial prints will be sold as individual works of art. I am updating to inform you that my latest project has been completed. It has been an incredible project, involving the creation of images, printing, and finally assembling the book. Over three years of hard work and dedication have been invested in this major undertaking. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to writer and artist Sue Hutton for the words that accompanied the images, adding another layer of depth and meaning to this remarkable artist’s book.