About
I’m Maren Oates, an artist from the Seattle area working in collage and gel plate printmaking, a technique that uses a gelatin-like surface to create monotypes and monoprints with paint, but without a press.
I love rolling acrylic paint on the plate, finding a texture to alter the smooth, wet surface, then pressing and lifting the paper to see the result. Even after thousands of pulls, my gel plate still surprises.
And this has long confused me about my love of gel printing. I have battled control issues most of my life. I like to make plans, create To-Do lists, and generally, I don’t like surprises. Why did I gravitate to this often unpredictable and non-traditional form of monoprinting?
I’m not sure I have a clear answer, but I think it’s a search for balance. Becoming a mother forced me to confront my control issues and reflect on the balance in my life, especially when straddling the line between working and stay-at-home mom.
The gel plate has been one of the best tools for restoring balance. My creative process helps me explore the conflicting emotions surrounding motherhood as I try to balance a grungy background against crisp lines, simple shapes within complex layers, or a bright, bold hue alongside a calming neutral in my prints.
And, whatever stress or feelings I’m struggling to manage, the wiggly surface of a gel plate is going to push back and remind me that sometimes it’s good to let go. Deep down, I know some messiness will create a better balance in art and in life.
Please email me at info@marenoates.com if you have any questions about my artwork or gel printing.