Jeff Puckett and the art of Photogravure
Local photographer Jeff Puckett happened to be eating at the Breakfast Queen in downtown Englewood and stopped into Anthology earlier this summer. He and Kendra struck up a conversation and she was immediately taken by his art and photographic process. Anthology has since had the pleasure of framing multiple pieces for Jeff. Kendra recently visited his studio to watch him pull a print.
The art of Photogravure is a combination of centuries old techniques and the latest digital technology. It is part photography and part analog printmaking.
Jeff shoots with Phase One Cameras. Using an Epson printer he then prints a negative onto a metal photopolymer plate which creates his etched printing plate.
Jeff uses Charbonnel Etching Ink to squeegee fill and then wipe away excess from the plate. While he does limited edition series, no two prints are ever quite the same.
Jeff was introduced to this printing process while taking a Platinum/Palladium printing workshop. He saw a large press on the other side of them room, asked about it and immediately changed coarse. He soon ordered his own American French Tool press from Conrad Machine Co in Whitehall, Michigan. The press now sits in the front window of his gallery and is certainly something to behold. The process of slowly rolling the plate and paper through the press transfers the ink to cotton rag paper. The end result is nothing short of amazing.
Jeff was so kind to open his studio for Kendra to see his entire operation. His excitement for creating his art in camera and in his printmaking make for truly collectable pieces. You can see more of his work at his website Jeff Puckett Images. His gallery is located at 1738 Blake St and available by appointment only.
