Abandoned Building by Callanish Stone circle by Jenny Gunning

When I got up at 4am in the morning to go and draw at Callanish Stones, I did some great drawings and took some incredible photographs however it was then I noticed the Bothies sitting neatly on the peninsular. I could not help myself, I had to go exploring and this is some of the work that was produced because of this trip.

I wanted to capture the absolute serenity of this incredible place in my work, and I wanted to work on a large scale. I do not know anyone else apart from my father who works so big and I do not know why because it pushes you beyond boundaries. The way the acid etches the metal is wonderful to watch and control and then printing a plate on this scale is a complete different ball game to printing something smaller. I love the overall effect of the aquatint and I love the tonal contrasts I have got. Steel is difficult to get massive tonal differences but I achieved exactly what I wanted so I was ever so pleased.

This is a 2mm thick steel etching printed onto Fabriano Rosso 320 gsm paper using handmade etching ink deep black with a touch of Turquoise. Printed with not much pressure using My No. 3 Etching printing press.