Benjamin Billingsley          

Click each image to see a larger view and a caption.  Works are presented in reverse chronological order. 

Selected prints (2011-1995) and drawings (2007-1995)

About the Images

Intaglio Prints (aquatint/drypoint, mezzotint, engraving, aquatint, drypoint - 2011-2006)

Relief Prints (linocut and woodcut 2011-2004)

Photogravure Prints (2011)

Lithographs (circa 1995)

Drawings (primarily charcoal, 2007-1995)

ILLUSTRATIONS

What if it Happened This Way? Vols. I & II - published in-house by CFCC (2006 / 2007).  Compiled and edited by Rabbi James Apple

Abraham and Isaac 2007 [from
The Angel Came Too Late (written by Megan Estep)]
Image based upon Michelangelo’s Pieta (1547)

Jael Kills Sisera 2006 [from Jael
(written by Angela Alford)] Image based upon  Artemesia Gentileschi’s Judith and Maidservant Beheading Holofernes

More Information

RELIEF PROCESSES – Category of printmaking in which the elements of the matrix that receive the ink are raised up from the surface of the plate.  Woodcut and lino-cut are the most common relief processes.

INTAGLIO PROCESSES – Category of printmaking in which the elements of the matrix that receive the ink are recessed into the plate.  Engraving, drypoint, mezzotint, etching and aquatint are the most common intaglio processes and are normally done on metal (zinc or copper) plates.

ENGRAVING – dates from the Middle Ages – artisans would incise designs into armor, rub them with ink and transfer the images to paper.  The tool used to carve into the metal is called a BURIN.

DRYPOINT – dates from the Renaissance (15^th century) – a DRYPOINT NEEDLE is used to scratch into the metal surface – this raises a burr which holds the ink.  The burr can be flattened by the press, so small editions are recommended.

MEZZOTINT – dates from 1642, Ludwig von Siegen, German, inventor.  Ludwig von Siegen revealed the details of the process to Prince Rupert (son of Elizabeth Stuart of the British Royal Family and Germany’s Frederick V) who further developed the rocker tool – The metal plate is roughened with a ROCKER, then areas intended to be lighter values are smoothed out with a BURNISHER.

LITHOGRAPHY – Versatile printmaking technique (usually done on limestone plates) in which the elements of the matrix that receive the ink are microscopically etched into the plate.  The surface remains unchanged to the naked eye, hence the term “planographic” printing.

Questions and queries are welcomed. Please see the Contact page for complete contact information.