Working with mica

Mica is a wonderful material that has a remarkable array of uses. In industry it is used as a lubricant for engines parts, and it is a common ingredient in cosmetics and in art supplies for metallic or irridescent effects. I enjoy mixing it with dry pigments to make a reflective surface in block prints. I also combine it with adhesives such as gelatin, gum arabic, or methyl cellulose to make a glaze that creates a subtle overall sheen.If you can find large mica flakes, you can grind them in a mortar and pestle, then sieve out the size particles you want. Mica comes in a number of color tones, and can be bought from sellers of Asian art supplies such as:


Oriental Art Supplies http://www.orientalartsupply.com/product/2270/151 
Daniel Smith http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-G-100-080M.
Kremer Pigments http://kremerpigments.com/
 

Large mica flakes

Mica in Japanese Prints

95.881 Woman After the Bath Hashiuchi Goyo

I recently worked on several prints by the Japanese artist Hashiguchi Goyo for an exhibition at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore where I am Senior Paper Conservator. His prints are known for the sumptuous use of mica, especially in the backgrounds. The mica was applied to the paper by making a transfer of funori, or seaweed adhesive, from the block to the paper. While still wet, the printer sprinkled the mica through a sieve onto the funori. The excess was then brushed away with a hake, or goat's hair, brush.  View more prints here:

http://art.thewalters.org/search/?query=goyo&type=search&all_fields=true

Here is an example of mica in one of my block printed papers. The paper was first toned to an indigo color, then the block (a vinyl block) was inked with powdered mica in a gelatin binder. The paper was laid onto the block and lightly pressed from the back with my hands. No printing press needed here!

Mica on folded and beaten paper 18" x  22" $40.00 per sheet

This is a special order paper and takes 2-3 weeks for delivery. Please allow enough time for your order to be completed. Thanks!