The Creating Nature-Inspired Etching Prints with Natural Oil-Based Ink

Abstract

This research presents the creation of intaglio printmaking artworks inspired by nature. The study aims to explore the relationship among conceptual frameworks, theoretical foundations, creative processes, and aesthetics that influence the form and expression of intaglio prints; alongside the development of a high quality natural based printing ink designed for safer and more sustainable creative practice.  Motivated by concerns regarding the health risks of conventional inks particularly the unavoidable use of turpentine as a toxic solvent, this work focuses on formulating an environmentally friendly ink that enhances user safety without compromising artistic performance. The natural-based ink was developed by using epoxidized soybean oil as the solvent base, epoxidized natural rubber as a binder or main resin, linseed oil and tung oil as drying oils, beeswax as a thickness and rheological modifier, and carbon black as a pigment.  The natural base ink was applied in a series of intaglio print artworks inspired by surrounding plant life and the harmonious interdependence found in nature. The artistic component of the study involved analyzing meaning, philosophical value, cultural context, and emotional, highlighting how personal experiences and impressions transform into new visual interpretations of form, light and shadow, texture, and composition. Artworks intentionally employ a black-and-white palette to convey a space between reality and illusion, allowing diverse emotional and philosophical interpretations across individuals and cultures. The developed ink exhibited smooth and uniform consistency, high and stable viscosity was suitable for intaglio printing application. Moreover, the natural base ink has low odor due to the absence of volatile organic solvents like commercial ink.  Furthermore, the natural based ink demonstrated stable storage period time behavior without surface hardening for over 120 days and allowed efficient cleaning using water-based detergents without harmful chemicals. The Print quality assessments showed excellent ink transfer, strong tonal reproduction, and deep blacks compared to commercial references, confirming its competitiveness for professional printmaking use.  Hence, this work integrates material innovation with artistic expression, using natural-based ink as both a technical and conceptual tool to communicate the beauty of nature through semi-abstract and surrealistic forms. The findings also indicate the potential to further diversify the ink’s color range for use in other printmaking techniques and painting applications.