I’m Maren Oates, a Seattle‑area artist working in collage and gel plate printmaking. Using a gelatin‑like plate and acrylic paint, I create monotypes and monoprints without a press. My tools are often discarded or overlooked objects—tape spools, bubble wrap, used gift cards, cardboard, vintage utensils, and forgotten toys—which I use to scape, stamp or alter the painted surface of my plate.

Rolling paint onto the plate, pressing in these objects, and lifting the paper reveals patterns and textures that are often unexpected. My hope is that each print reflects the creative possibilities and visual richness embedded in everyday materials that might otherwise be ignored.