Workshop Prints

Chihuly’s enjoyment in the spontaneous act of drawing has led to his continued pursuit of traditional printmaking; like his drawings, the prints offer collectors an intimate and alternative connection to his work in glass.

These original limited edition prints reveal his unique sensibility and highlight the artist’s unmistakable drawing style. All Chihuly Workshop original limited edition prints are signed by Chihuly and numbered. 


About Our Prints

Lithographs
Lithograph prints are created by Chihuly in different ways, including by drawing with tusche (a grease-like ink) onto stone or metal plates or by painting on sheets of Mylar. One plate is needed for each color desired in the final artwork. For example, a six-color lithograph requires six unique plates. After further preparation by the master printmaker, the plates are inked and hand-pulled through the press using archival paper, with one pass required for each plate. Thus, a six-color lithograph is run through the press six separate times.


Lithographs with Handwork

Lithographs with handwork are created by drawing with paint onto existing lithographs after they are pulled from the press.

Intaglios
Intaglio prints are also created in many different ways, including "biting" (with acid), cutting, or incising (carving) into a metal plate to transfer Chihuly’s drawing to it, using techniques with names such as aquatint, spit bite, white ground, and sugar lift. After further preparation by the master printmaker, the plates are inked and then pulled through the press, transferring the drawing to archival paper. Often various platemaking methods are combined in one composition, creating prints that are both ambitious and complex.

Woodcuts
Woodcut prints are created from a composition that Chihuly has drawn onto a key woodblock. The area of the woodblock not covered by the drawing is then cut away. The relief, or raised area of the woodblock, is inked with a brayer and transferred to archival paper by passing it through the press. Again, a five-color woodcut print is achieved by having a separate woodblock for each color applied. In addition to the artist’s marks, the grain of the wood is often picked up by the ink, creating an additional layer of texture.

Drypoints
Drypoint prints are created by scratching a Chihuly drawing directly into a metal plate with a sharp metal point. Scoring the plate creates a burr or ridge of metal that holds the ink. When the plate is inked and paper is pressed against the surface, the resulting artwork has a rich, velvety quality. As this process is repeated, the burr wears down and the lines become less defined. For this reason, drypoint prints are made in small editions.

Vitreographs
Vitreograph prints are created when a Chihuly drawing is carved into the surface and throughout the depth of a glass plate using a subtractive process resembling sandblasting. Again, each separate color requires its own glass plate to complete the artwork as the drawing is transferred to archival paper. At times, and depending on the amount of pressure, it will create an impression similar to stippling in painting.