Photopolymer Etching is a modern version of a traditional Photo Etching process which has been used by printmakers since the beginning of the 20th century. In my practice, I use light-sensitive photopolymer plates and nothing but water to achieve results comparable to the traditional methods I have always admired. I love this process not only because it is less toxic and more environmentally friendly, but also because it allows me to work on my own, within my own space.

The process begins by printing a digital image onto the light-sensitive plate, following the exposure of it under the UV light, a step which essentially hardens highlights and mid-tones, engraving the image into the polymer. After that, the plate is rinsed with water and left to harden properly.

The next step is my favourite: inking and printing the images the same way as intaglio printmakers have done for centuries. I love the physicality and meditative quality of that process. Since one doesn’t know exactly if the image turned out as intended until the moment the plate is printed, every print comes to life with magic, joy, and excitement.