Definitive proposal Draft for review

Working Title:

An Investigation into Safe Printing Methods with Etching without Acid in Pakistani Art & Design Higher Education.

Description:

This project will investigate the safe printing methods that are different and safer than our traditional methods. In particular, it will focus on the methods of “Etching without Acid” to investigate and demonstrate by the researcher.

This issue is significant because, by traditional printmaking methods, we use different acids and substance the hazardous chemical that can generate a high range of toxicity during the studio practice. Which is a high risk for our health and safety and also for the environment of safe printmaking studio practise 

Since this traditional method has been used from centuries, research and awareness campaign on safe methods of printmaking has been started in the world and safe methods are being introduced. While in Pakistan higher educational institutions where art degree is given, and artist’s individual studio practice. There is still the same traditional toxic methods are the part of curricula that is very dangerous not only for art teachers, students but also for everyone who is associated with printmaking studios. My research project will play an important role first time in introducing new and safer methods of printmaking, especially in Pakistani higher art education.  

Research Key Question:

How to investigate the safe printing methods by etching without acid and explore safe alternatives to toxic printmaking processes?

 Aim of the project:

This project aims to demonstrate, through the researcher's evolving practice as a fine art printmaker to (1) raise awareness about increasing understanding of the occupational health hazards associated with certain printmaking practices. (2)To introduce safe printing methods alternatives at my university and also for Pakistani Higher Art Education System.

Project objectives:

The objectives of this research is to investigate and evaluate safe methods and alternatives of the researcher's practise to link with these aims, by means of exploring progressively sensitive 'safe' studio practices.

1. To propose a procedural ‘structure of making unit for Electro Etching(Etching without Acid)for safe practice' that can make possible the experimental practice to link with  methodological selection and use of non-hazardous materials and practices;

2. To test this 'structure of safe practice' led practice, in order to critically evaluate the relationship between printmakers' creative practices and the exploration of 'environmentally safe printing methods;

3. To produce a visual art practice to stretch an avoidance for the development of a creatively sustainable visual vocabulary, which progressively responds to safe working practices established in the progression of this research.