ETCHINGS

Dax etchings are the result of a process learned under the direct supervision of professor Barbara Duval B.F.A., M.F.A., at her College of Charleston South Carolina studio.  The matrix used begins by applying a chlorine cleanser to scrub the flat surface of a metal plate with an abrasive sponge, wire brush, fine steel wool, wet #600 emery-paper or corundum paper.   A second scrub using isopropyl alcohol is applied before coating the plates’ surface with a ground mixture of varnish or beeswax.   Next, a conceptual artwork is drawn freehand into the ground using special etching needles and cutting tools.  The metal plate is then immersed in a solution of nitric acid (HNO3) and water before being removed and cleaned with a solution of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.   Next, turpentine is used to thoroughly remove all the resist-material covering the metal plate.  Next, an oil-based ink is applied to the metal plates image, and pressed onto etching paper producing a final singular original etching.