One of my favorite designing activities is drawing my designs on metal in preparation for etching. I put on some good music and just doodle.
I don't always start with a particular design in mind. Sometimes I'll look at photo from African homes, painted with big bold designs to get the film reel of designs rolling in my mind.
So it begins with a blank sheet.
Soon there are rows of patterns flowing. And before I know it - I've got a full sheet filled with fun designs.
The cool thing about chemically etching is that the designs don't have to be perfect. In fact a bit of variation and imperfection gives the finished piece a lot more character. The final design isn't nearly as bold as the black marker on metal - and so those fine lines that are less than perfect aren't such a big deal. Drawing without feeling that pressure for perfection helps things flow more naturally and it's definitely a lot more fun.
Once the drawings are completed, the next step is placing the metal into a chemical bath which will eat the metal around my drawings, leaving the drawing more prominent. I'll update the post after they've come out.
Stay tuned.