Thirty-one mixed media feathers of local birds

In January I received an invitation to participate in Pajaro Valley Arts’ Over the Edge: Printmaking Without Limits exhibition, a show encouraging artists to push beyond traditional approaches to printmaking. How could I resist? My proposal was to create a series of oversized paper feathers representing bird species found throughout the Pajaro (“Bird”) Valley. The project grew into a collection of thirty-one sculptural feathers inspired by local birds and informed by The Feather Atlas (Fish and Wildlife Service), borrowed specimens and close observation. Each feather begins as a sketch before evolving into a monoprint made with oil-based inks on Rives BFK paper using my Griffin IV etching press.
Once the prints have dried, the transformation from flat image to sculptural object begins. A length of 30-pound wire is secured between the printed sheets with linen framing tape, forming the rachis—the central shaft of the feather—and giving the piece the flexibility to curve, twist, and hold its shape like the real thing. The layers are then carefully adhered together and compressed around the wire with a bone folder to create a seamless form.
Graphite, paint, and colored pencil are added by hand to deepen texture, subtle coloration and patterns unique to each species. After sealing the surface with gel medium, the feather is cut with a sharp blade to create individual barbs and the small imperfections found in nature—frayed edges, splits, and gaps shaped by flight and weather. Each finished feather is labeled with the bird species, gender, and feather type, blending scientific study with handcrafted interpretation. Of the 34 feathers created for this show over 23 have flown to new homes...

Harvest A new series of toned cyanotypes created using vines and grapes collected (with permission) from Big Basin Vineyards in Santa Cruz County.

I have been enjoying working on this new cyanotype series titled Harvest. The patterns in these pieces are created using vines, leaves and grapes collected in the fall of 2025 from Big Basin Vineyards estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I have toned the resulting sunprints with black tea, wine, coffee and green tea adding graphite, watercolor and paint. These mixed media pieces hung at the Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room in downtown Santa Cruz in April and May, 2026.

About Stacy

Welcome. Since 1994 I have been enjoying creating works on paper including etchings, limited edition prints, monoprints, monotypes, drawings and paintings.
You will see that nature inspires my work - this is a result of my training as a scientific illustrator and the landscape in which I am lucky enough to live. Are you interested in taking a printmaking workshop? I am offering private sessions for groups of up to four in my home studio. Subscribe to my mailing list to learn about time slots for classes. You will also receive updates about new projects and events. Arranging a studio visit to browse my collection of artwork starts with a text or call to (415) 497-2203 or an email to info@stacyfrank.com
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Reproductions available on Fine Art America

I have created a page on Fine Art America when you can order reproductions of some of my works on paper. The marjority of my Arches series have been uploaded so you can order prints, posters, cards, notebooks, totebags and more. CLICK HERE
A friend just sent me this photo while at Kaiser in Santa Clara. Great to see my original monoprints out in the wild! Verdure 23 and Verdure 27 framed in shadow boxes - an attractive way to hang pieces that have a deckled edge which is a product of the hand-made nature of this paper.ption
The 2025 Santa Cruz County Open Studios was a big success! Check out my visitors reacting to the 'big reveal' during my printmaking demonstration.
Studio full of sunlight and dominated by my Griffin IV etching press with plenty of work surfaces...
I've been working on a new series of mixed media and collage pieces. My goal for this grouping called Arches is to create 100 by the end of January 2025. Click on the image to see a gallery of some completed pieces.
I am pleased to be the featured artist on Grand Image's site for August 2024. They sell reproductions of some of my monoprints to the hospitality and design industry. You can read the blog post here.

  • BOTANIC

    A lovely, cohesive set of monoprints mounted on cradled panels and framed in oiled fir float frames. A selection of these pieces are now listed in my shop!
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