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Artist-printmaker Larry Welo has been creating etchings since the early 1970's. He earned degrees in art and biology at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. Originally from Hibbing, Minnesota, Larry now resides in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. As an intaglio printmaker, Larry produces detailed and intricate etchings inspired by various aspects of his life. His studio is located in Blue Mound, Wisconsin.
The Etching (Intaglio) Process
The generic term etching or intaglio printing generally applies to working a metal plate in a broad array of techniques. Making an etching involves producing an irregular, rough surface incised on a smooth copper plate. This irregular 'created' surface holds ink so the etching can be printed. The etching process begins with the application of a protective acid resist coating (ground) to the smooth copper plate. The drawing is inscribed with a needle stylus, exposing the copper below. The plate is etched in acid; subsequent lines and textures are added and re-etched until a satisfactory richness is achieved with a variety of line work and texture in differing depths, all able to hold differing amounts of ink. The artist uses a variety of etching techniques to achieve the desired effect. Once the plate has been etched over various time intervals, the protective ground is cleaned from the plate and ink is rubbed into the etched areas. Cloth is then used to clean away the surface ink, leaving ink mainly in the recessed, etched areas. Dampened paper is placed on top of the plate and together they are pulled through the press. The pressure from the large steel rollers is great enough to force the paper into the recesses of the plate and receive the ink. The press leaves a visible plate mark within the margins of the paper.
Artist's Statement
My work has always been inspired by events in my life and the world around me. I consider my etchings to be portraits of myself with the intention that maybe they are portraits of us all. All of my imagery is rooted in the real world. I take my information from sketches I have drawn, written notations and most importantly, my imagination. I create many of my works, especially the landscapes, on location. I take the plate to the place and draw. This approach provides a happy combination of the freshness and spontaneity of working on site and the more intellectual part of working in the studio. My etchings are not intended to be duplications of the world, but instead interpretations of it. A large part of the creative process includes a sort of dialogue that occurs between myself and the artwork as it evolves.
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