Gelli Prints with Soap Bubbles and Sharpies

Embarking on another artistic journey, this time inspired by the “Aqua Gastronomy” Ramen Bowl from the previous post. Can I use dyed soap bubbles and Sharpies on the gel plate? Of course I can. You can’t tell me what to do.

There is a video linked at the end if visuals resonate with you (because let's be honest, while blog posts might be entertaining, they're really about keywords).

Drawing Shrimp and the Magic of the Gelli Plate

Drawing inspiration from the Aqua Gastronomy Ramen Bowl, I re-entered the realm of Gelli printing. Armed with black and red Sharpies, and the plate embraced these marks, echoing weeks of playful doodles that danced through my thoughts. After applying the images, I added a layer of clear Gel Medium and allowed it to dry.

Soap Bubbles: A Touch of Nostalgia

Ah, soap bubbles—the wondrous delights of childhood. Rather than letting them drift freely in the air, I meticulously positioned them onto the Gelli Plate. Blending blue acrylic paint with water and dish soap, I summoned delicate spheres that held the allure of the sea. The addition of Gel Medium prevented the bubble impressions from "bleeding".

A Symphony of Bubbles and Background

After the soap bubbles popped and left impression on the plate, they were allowed time to dry before a layer of acrylic paint joined the composition. Hues of cream and subtle blue, poised to encapsulate the essence of shrimp and bubbles. With this wet layer introduced, the stage was set for the monoprint to be pulled from the plate.

Unveiling the Print: Where Shrimp and Bubbles Dance

After the wet layer was introduced, the paper was laid on top, and a heavy book was set upon it. It was left to dry for 30 minutes. Then moment of truth dawned. In a single fluid motion, I pulled the print; shrimp and bubbles! The Gelli Plate's adaptability shone as it captured the essence of every element perfectly.

Lessons Were Learned

Through each creative exploration, insights emerge. In the case of the red Sharpies, they stain the gel plate. But it didn’t hurt future prints, just looks unsightly. However, it was the soap bubbles that claimed the spotlight—each bubble, a unique entity, leaving behind an intricate imprint of color. I have visions of a technicolor bubble-scape.

For a deeper dive into the process, watch the one-minute video on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.