Jack Beal, Dam and Stump

Medium: Intaglio print: Line etching and aquatint
Initial processing and proofing: 1979, by Jennifer Melby
Edition pulled: 2004, by Roger Bailey
Ink and paper type: Bone black ink on Hahnemuhle bright white
Edition size: 41
Signed: in pencil, lower right
Image Size: 4.07" x 6.72"
Paper Size: 11" x 15"


The Ouleout Creek (Jack pronounced it "crick")  runs through the Beal/Freckelton property and heavy rains can cause it to change its mood rapidly. In this image, just after a heavy rain, the creek has brought down a tree stump that Jack has said reminds him of Medusa's crown of snakes.

 

A Closer Look ... Dam and Stump

Earlier stage of the copper plate with stop-out ground. Processing by Jennifer Melby.

Earlier stage of the copper plate with stop-out ground. Processing by Jennifer Melby.

Close-up of the completed plate. 

Close-up of the completed plate. 

The copper plate after it has been steel-faced.

The copper plate after it has been steel-faced.

Detail of the print showing both line etching and aquatint techniques.

Detail of the print showing both line etching and aquatint techniques.

A photograph of the dam on Ouleout Creek before a major flood essentially destroyed it.

A photograph of the dam on Ouleout Creek before a major flood essentially destroyed it.

Jack's signature, lower right, with close-up of the aquatint tones.

Jack's signature, lower right, with close-up of the aquatint tones.

Developing his composition, Jack has drawn in ink a fence post and barbed wire, to a first stage proof. The aquatints will be added at a later stage.

Developing his composition, Jack has drawn in ink a fence post and barbed wire, to a first stage proof. The aquatints will be added at a later stage.

Jack signing the edition, April 27, 2005.

Jack signing the edition, April 27, 2005.