It is no exaggeration to say that The Tingology alcohol inks are like magical little vials of witchcraft. When loaded with pigments, these inks flow and easily merge into unpredictable, fantastical streams of chaos. Requiring an entirely different tactical approach to working with drawing materials (such as watercolours or acrylic), in order to be successful with alcohol inks one has to dance with… perhaps this is best exemplified by Fiona who, speaking of her love for anarchy once said “it’s a bit like paper Tango; sometimes you lead, and sometimes it does”.
When adding isopropyl alcohol, you thin the color and create beautiful and ethereal fades. If you ‘re wanting to sit your ink up on its feet and make it dance a jig, you blow through a straw on the surface or use a hair dryer- it is quite the spectacle for your studio to witness with all the blowing and merriment that goes with it. The name of this game is experiment, embrace the mistakes, and find yourself some gems. Each piece is like a box of chocolates- you never know what you’re gonna get.
One time Emma a beginner artist thought she ruined her piece by spilling a cup upon it. Rather than ruin it though, that accident transformed her art piece into a masterpiece – powdery swirls of green blue and purple sprinkled the surface making the piece more electric and unrehearsed than planned. Remember – just because you messed up doesn’t mean you need to cry. Often times mistakes are a way that light can get in and guide your way.
The texture you will get from salt is otherworldly when you sprinkle it on damp ink. Customize your nebulous abysses into spaces alive and moving with specs of light by using felt applicators for stippling.
As last layer, a resin coat adds that finishing touch- a glossy dreamlike sheen that gives a luxurious feel you can’t get anywhere else. It’s like planting a flag on the summit of colourful Everest, but more than that; this flag claims a piece of the colourful dream you’ve made.
For your wrists, gloves are always a nice thing to have. That lovely ink seems to want to stick around far longer than you and so gloves are necessary tool in the world of Alcohol Ink.
When dancing the paper tango, let curiosity be your promenade. The vistas are as wide as the sky, with surprises as delightful as a summer storm. Just remember, the best things in life are usually derails from the original plan.