Gabrielle Bock

Determination of Potential Biopolymer Substitutes for Intaglio Etching Constituents Based on Rheological and Adhesive Properties

Determination of Potential Biopolymer Substitutes for Intaglio Etching Constituents Based on Rheological and Adhesive Properties

Gabrielle Bock, Chemistry and Studio Art, is attempting to determine a non-proprietary, non-toxic substitute to use in an intaglio etching ground, which is the process of using acid or mordant to cut into metal surfaces to create a design.

“I am a double major in both chemistry and studio art and I have always been fascinated with how historically paints and other materials have been used. This project gave me a chance to combine my majors, but also to better understand materials chemistry of artist materials used today,” says Bock. “I hope that this project will work to improve the working conditions of artists and show that there are ways that we can modify artistic materials to make them less toxic.”