My brain switches into mad scientist mode as I slowly lower the unsuspecting tin into the electrified salted water. I shall manipulate these alloys, and out of these bubbling corrosive waters I will birth an etching of my own creation!
Now, I’ve created sculptures from metal before, shaping them with everything from a plasma torch to tiny files, but this, my first experience electrolytic etching, had me cackling with glee, praising the glory of science. Sitting back, I watched the saltwater bubble as the charged chloride and sodium ions ripped the metal from the surface of the tin. The smile never left my face as I imagined the possibilities of future etchings.
This entry is part of 2012’s Project 365 – A Creative Thing a Week.