We can often find solutions to current problems by looking to the past for insight. In the early 15th century Gutenberg revolutionized printing when he produced his 42-line Bible. Gutenberg was famous for his breakthrough in movable type, but his experiments with ink are less well known. At the time water-based inks were being used. Gutenberg found that the water-based inks were too fluid, so he adapted techniques used by artists of the time and began to use oil-based inks made from linseed oil (veggie-based inks are not something new!). It wasn't until the growth of the petrochemical industry in the 1940's that we began to introduce petroleum and toxic solvents into our printing. (until the middle of the 19th century, the main ingredient of paper was cloth rags, hemp, and grass. Using wood for pulp is relatively new, but that's another topic) Fortunately, again the printing community is embracing soy & veggie-based inks for their environmental benefits, vibrant colors, further spreadability, and for making paper easier to recycle.
•
Looking to the past often creates insight, or gives us a new perspective on a current issue. I have several "artist books" I made years ago out of used and re-purposed materials. When I've been doing a lot of computer work, I like to take-out my old projects for tactile inspiration.
