Title: Welcome to Nairobi

About This Work:
On my travels, I search out and photograph quirky signs which I collage into mixed media alumigraph originals creating momentos of experience and place.

This piece is part of a collection of work called Give me a Sign. We read signs from our individual cultural bias. When confronted with a sign that challenges our version of the world it provides an opportunity to reflect on, evaluate, and sometimes change our pre-conceived perspective and gain insight into other ways of viewing the world. Give Me a Sign advocates for an appreciative exploratory dive into diverse cultural understanding.

Size Variations:
5 x 7 inches (comes in an 8x10 mat)
8 x 10 inches (comes in an 11x14 mat)

How It Was Made:
Firstly, I integrate a photograph of each collected sign into a mixed media alumigraph. I then scan the original image which is digitally printed locally.

The alumigraph is a collagraphic process, where the plate is built upon a strong support surface rather than etched into the metal. Once the image is created, heavy-duty aluminum foil is adhered to the surface using acrylic gel medium.  The plate is then inked intaglio, which means that the ink is rubbed into the lines and texture of the plate and removed from the surface of the plate.

The plate is then run through a hand-operated etching press with a piece of 100% rag etching paper. The pressure of the steel roller and the steel bed transfers the image to the paper.

Please note: colours may appear slightly different on screen than they do on your digital print.

Follow my art adventure on Instagram @cornelius.karen

Karen Cornelius holds the Copyright on all her artwork. No image may be reproduced for any reason without the consent of the artist.