Artwork

Artwork by Lauren D. Sawchyn

"nontoxic lithography is the newest of many environmentally safe ways scientific and artistic research is combining to revolutionize printmaking"

"If Us Parthenogenesis, Then I Homunculi?"
Lauren D. Sawchyn
nontoxic polyester plate lithography
15" x 22"
2003

This multiplate print was produced through the collaborative research of both the artist and University of Maine Printmaking Professor Susan Groce in the new technique of nontoxic lithography. The process, which uses thin plastic plates and needs only water and a waterproof drawing medium in order to yield a high quality image, eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, such as nitric or phosphoric acid, (commonly used to etch the image on plates in traditional forms of lithography) and cleans with corn oil, water, and ammonia, instead of mineral spirits. Though the technique is still being refined, nontoxic lithography is the newest of many environmentally safe ways scientific and artistic research is combining to revolutionize printmaking, as well as promote healthier ways of living in our world.

The subject for the print was developed as part of an exchange portfolio the artist was involved in with other upper level printmakers at the University of Maine. As part of the portfolio's "Conversations" theme, the printmakers would gather to discuss current issues and their role as artists during this time. They then were required to form a visual response to one of these issues as well as the conversations that ensued.

As part of an admissions requirement to attend a medical illustration program, the artist also took a class in developmental biology with University of Maine Professor Mary Tyler. Through class discussion, the artist was exposed to some of the deeper science behind cloning, allowing some of the shortcomings of media representation to be revealed. In this print, the artist was intrigued by Leeuwenhoek's "homunculi" theory and questions the need for fertilization, as well as hints at the consequences of what happens when the human species ploughs too far ahead without considering the ramifications of such actions.