VRTU
Chico, CA artist Ian Coogan linked up with VRTU clothing to print a small series of tank tops featuring his latest work, a globby bunch of monstrous eyes set in black and green comic book style. VRTU founder Alex Luquin invited me out to film and photograph a small promotional piece documenting the process.
Canon 7D / Samyang 35mm f/1.4
Alex Luquin lays the inkjet film positive onto the exposure table. The design is printed onto this clear sheet so light can’t pass through it, allowing the emulsion to stay wet during the burn.
Expose
Ian illuminates the control panel on the exposure unit, allowing Alex to initiate the process. Once the exposure has started, no UV light should be allowed into the room. These special lightbulbs are used for visibility in darkrooms, but they also happen to provide great photo opportunities!
Wash
Ian exits the shop to help Alex wash out the exposed screens. The emulsion that is removed will expose the design in the screen, allowing ink to pass through the mesh and onto the final product.
Ink
Alex sets up the first screen for printing. The design for these T-Shirts was a simple 2-color process, using the white of the shirt for negative space. Each color is separated onto its own screen, with each arm of the press occupying the next tone to be inked.