This aim of this project was to produce a collaboration between myself and my computer.
There is the possibility to attempt to recreate pixel perfect images through photo etching, however it is no match for handmade intaglio, where the etching needle draws directly into the wax.
The etching is a collaboration between Python code (creating randomised lines), and those manually input by myself.
As the plotter is from the 80s, there is no modern day software available to use. I researched the techniques to communicate directly with the plotter and wrote code using HPGL and Python, along with the use of Linux Terminal and serial cables.
Above: video documenting the etching of the zinc plate using a customised etching needle and graphics plotter & various test sketches, playing with algorithms and manual directional input.
Thanks to the guys at music.columbia.edu/cmc/chiplotle/ for their software.