Solarplate etchings are a modern variation of traditional intaglio printmaking, also known as photopolymer etching.
It uses a light-sensitive plate coated with a photosensitive polymer that allows artists to create etched images using
sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals used in traditional etching methods.

The process of creating an intaglio solar plate etching involves the following steps:

1. The artist prepares their image on a transparent material; in my case, I hand-draw the design on frosted glass.
   This image is then placed onto the surface of the solarplate and exposed to sunlight or UV light.

2. Exposure: The sunlight or UV light hardens the photosensitive polymer in the areas where the light passes through
   the transparent image. The non-exposed areas remain soft and wash away during the development process.

3. Development: The plate is washed in water, which removes the soft, unexposed polymer, leaving a hardened
   on the plate's surface.

4. Etching and Inking: Once the plate is developed and dried, ink is applied to the plate, adhering only to the etched
   areas. The artist wipes off the excess ink from the plate's surface, leaving the ink in the etched lines and grooves. 

5. Then, dampened paper is placed on the inked plate, and both are run through an etching press to transfer the
   onto the paper.

Please contact me via email with any questions.
jill@jillsoukup.com

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