Pool Lady 1980

Emma Amos made this print, Pool Lady, using etching and aquatint, processes that involve coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches through this coating to expose the metal, and the plate is submerged in acid. The acid bites into the exposed areas, creating lines and textures that hold ink. In Pool Lady, the aquatint gives the image a grainy, tonal depth, capturing the nuances of light and shadow on the figure's skin and the surrounding scene. The striped swimsuit is beautifully rendered, and there is a real feeling of relaxation, despite the laborious nature of printmaking, requiring skill, time, and physical effort. Amos was very interested in figuration, and this can be seen throughout her career. Through her approach to materials and making, Amos elevates the everyday and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.