Are You a - Monotype?
I started playing around with printing a few months ago after reading, Citizen Printer by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. Amos’s book was featured in one of Austin Kleon’s weekly newsletters on Substack. The book inspired me to experiment with my use of words and media; it is a work of art.
Although I don’t have the means to do the kind of printing that Amos does in my minimal space, his story motivated me to explore monotypes on the desk in my studio. This experimentation got me thinking about how similar this medium is to the uniqueness of our emotions—how they never seem to fit us the same way or for the same reasons.
Each of us is a one-of-a-kind part of humanity. No one will ever be better at being us than we are. Unique is the name of the game, and along with that uniqueness comes an array of emotions that shape our experiences. Once I create a monotype print, it can never be replicated exactly. There may be similarities, but the details, the tone, and the perfect blending of colors are never repeatable.
The prints I’m sharing in this post illustrates this uniqueness. Each one has different shades and layers that I can’t recreate. What I love about this form of expression is that I don’t really know how it will turn out until it looks back at me.
The same is true of our emotions. Life’s triggers often feel familiar, but each new encounter brings subtle changes. These shifts may reflect growth, new perspectives, or even unresolved feelings. My practice of sitting with emotions has taught me to accept them for what they are and to embrace the newness they bring.
“Understand: you are one of a kind. Your character traits are a kind of chemical mix that will never be repeated in history. There are ideas unique to you, a specific rhythm and perspective that are your strengths, not your weaknesses. You must not be afraid of your uniqueness and you must care less and less what people think of you.”
Robert Greene
I have become so drawn to this medium that it surprises me whenever I push the paint or ink around my plates. I have so far to go, but each session teaches me something new. Each time I sit down, I come away with a message I didn’t know was waiting for me. This process keeps me present and increases my awareness of the unexpected. I like how it feels—different, yet familiar. Mistakes often make the prints even better, in fact, I’d argue there are no mistakes.
“When you embrace your difference, —your DNA, your look, or heritage, or religion, or unusual name, —that’s when you start to shine.”
Bethenny Frankel
We are all monotypes. Each of us is unique, layered, and evolving. We react to life as it unfolds, finding ways to adapt and grow. Even when we think it’s the same old thing, we discover small changes within oursleves that keep us moving forward. So, thank you to Austin Kleon for introducing me to Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. Their work has reminded me that our individuality is always worth celebrating, whether we’re creating art or navigating life.
Talk soon…
G