Using Found Objects: Gadget Printing

Collecting found objects is a great way of interacting with the seldom noticed world around us, but it can be easy to find yourself at a loss as to how to put your finds to good use. One avenue to consider that provides an unlimited number of applications is gadget printing. Gadget printing is the use of objects as printing stamps in the creation of original crafts or works of art. An object with an interesting texture or shape is typically dabbed in paint or an ink pad and used as an improvised stamp to transfer the shape and the texture of the object onto a page, canvas or other medium. The result can range from a simple nuance to a wild, bold portrayal of printed gadgets in dynamic converse with one another.

The first step in gadget printing is picking which of your found objects you want to work with. This might be determined by a general idea of what you are setting out to do with your project, such as whether you are attempting to do something representational with your printing or if you have a particular tone in mind. On the other hand, you might choose to let the objects themselves lead the direction of your work and simply select your gadgets intuitively based upon what goes with what.

Gadgets are easiest to choose based on size, shape and texture. The size of the gadgets has an impact on whether the piece will be dominated by one or two central objects or will be more of a configuration of relationships between printed gadgets. The shape of the object greatly affects the tone of the piece, amongst other things. An object with sharp angles, such as the nut of a bolt, has a very bold tone, whereas an object with dull or no angles, such as a washer, provides a decidedly softer tone. The texture of the gadgets influences the texture of the finished piece itself, as well as the lingering presence of the original found object on the page. A smooth object such a nut or bolt provides a sort of shadow or silhouette when printed, while a highly textured object such as a coin leaves a more nuanced and personal impression.

As for doing the printing itself, that's up to you. The sky is the limit when you let yourself fly with stuff like this. I prefer doing understated abstractions with my gadget printing, but this method can also be used for doing realistic or naturalized portraits, as well as wild stuff that just as loud as want to get.

More found objects:

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