Researchers: Adelaide Elkin & Tyrone Quigley, 2024-25
This technique was introduced by Andrew Baldwin, the creator of BIG non-toxic etching ground, to Liz Chalfin during her 2024 voyage to Wales. We are interested in exploring this process because it removes the need for an airbrush and compressor and the use of acrylics in creating etchings with tonal aquatints.
The technique involves dusting baking soda atop uncured BIG ground, that is then rinsed after baking and curing. At this stage an aquatint-like surface is created on the plate that can be etched accordingly.
We experimented with several variables: applying BIG intaglio ground in different thicknesses to the plate, allowing baking soda to rest on the ground for different lengths of time, curing baked plates for more or less time, using different BIG intaglio grounds, etching Zinc as opposed to copper, applying baking soda differently, rinsing plates before etching, using citric acid to clear out sediment during the etches.