Artwork copyright Kay Rood. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Pile Up I, 1986

Kay Rood
American (born 1945)

Location: Clark College, Vancouver

About the Artwork

Pile Up I is a colorful monotype print created by artist Kay Rood. It features energetic lines and overlapping geometric shapes. It is part of a series of monotypes she dubs “not-so-still-lifes” because they are based on her arrangements of real objects to create an ambiguous, abstract composition. Monotypes are unique prints made by painting with inks directly onto the printing plate. Only one print can be made from the plate. The image is transferred onto paper using a printing press. Rood refers to monotypes as a “true hybrid process” because it combines elements of painting, drawing, and printmaking.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Clark College.

About the Artist

Seattle-based artist and framer Kay Rood explores transformation and growth through her paintings and monotype prints. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa. She ran a custom framing business specializing in the archival framing of fine art for 35 years.