Tortilla Press Prototyping

Nicole and I are working on making tiny art prints using unexpected tools and materials. Thinking up new uses for familiar stuff is a hallmark of tinkering activities and for this workshop, everyday objects can be used to create interesting results.

Instead of a full sized printing press, we've found that a tortilla press is a great tool to create small images on paper.

The first couple examples were made by carefully carving indents in a piece of thin foam as the template for the designs. While this results in beautiful prints, making them took a bit of time and practice to perfect. We also tried using physical objects like tiny wrenches, keys and washers by pressing them into the foam to make an indentation.

We rolled paint on the foam, put a piece of paper on top and squished the ink with the tortilla press to create the tiny poster.

I love how the imprecise nature of this project creates unexpected patterns, like this one with the five washers arranged in an overlapping pattern. Something about the design was reminiscent of the photograms from a workshop I led with Modesto at the Exploratorium during an after dark event last year.

This style of art making allows for lots of experimentation and iteration. Traditional printmaking also allows for collaboration since participants can make multiple copies of their work, sharing and trading with others, as well as leaving some inspiring examples behind in the environment.

We'll be trying this activity at Oakland First Fridays on February 3rd as well as at the KitLAB opening event on Saturday Feburary 4th. Hope you will join us for a fun experiment in making some really cool tiny art.