What is lithography?

Lithography is the oldest form of printmaking and is the closest form of printmaking to the hand drawn mark. The process involves grinding down a slab of limestone. A greasy crayon or paint (tusche) is used to make marks on the stone. A chemical solution is made up to etch the image into the stone. Ink is then spread onto the limestone with a rolling pin catching the areas where the oily drawn mark has been etched – because ink repels water the stone constantly has to be kept wet (using a sponge). Cotton rag paper is then placed on top of the image and put through the press using high pressure to press the ink onto the paper. Small editions of 30 and under are produced.