Decalcomania

DEFINITION

A painting process for making fractal or branching patterns, it is accomplished by putting viscous paint on a piece of stiff paper fastened to a table. The paper is covered with another piece of paper. Then applied pressure, which spreads the paint, and the sheets pulled apart, will result in branching patterns on both sheets. Those patterns can be changed with repeats of this process. The term was coined in 18th century France when it was done with gouache and ink, and became a childrens' game of blotting. For many, it is appealing because of its liberating unpredictability. Sources: Yale University, http://classes.yale.edu/fractals/panorama/art/decalcomania/DecEx/DecEx.html; ARTtalk.com; http://www.arttalk.com/archives/vol-15/artv1502-1.htm