Scratch art is a special type of etching. Instead of adding something to a surface, such as paint to canvas, the scratch art process is one of removal.

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A masonite board is covered with a thin coat of white clay paint. Then a layer of black India ink is applied. Using sharp tools, like scalpels, or craft knives, the black India ink is systematically scratched away to reveal the white paint underneath.

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The more scratches made, the whiter the design. Every scratch shows, so mistakes are not well tolerated. Scratch art takes great concentration to remove only the black  ink that will allow the design to emerge.

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See more examples of my work in the Scratch Art Gallery.