William Demaria: Intaglio Impressions
In January 2026, Washington Printmakers Gallery puts the spotlight on William Demaria as he unveils his solo exhibition, Moments/ Memories, that promises to be both intimate and expansive. Known for his mastery of intaglio printmaking, Demaria transforms personal memories into visual narratives that resonate far beyond the confines of the page.
Demaria’s work is deeply rooted in recollection—moments from the ancient streets around Zhejiang China, fragments of family history, and the textures of urban life. His prints are not mere reproductions of reality; they are layered interpretations, etched and inked with a sensitivity that invites viewers to linger. Each plate becomes a vessel for memory, carrying traces of time and emotion.
It is Demaria’s commitment to traditional techniques while also embracing contemporary themes that sets his work apart in the gallery. Intaglio, with its meticulous process of etching and engraving, demands patience and precision—qualities evident in the quiet strength of his compositions. The interplay of shadow and line evokes a sense of permanence, even as the subject matter speaks to the fleeting nature of experience.
This upcoming show will feature works that explore the tension between permanence and impermanence, presence and absence. Expect to see pieces that weave architectural forms with organic patterns, creating a dialogue between built environments and the human stories they hold.
For collectors and enthusiasts, Demaria’s prints offer more than aesthetic appeal; they are meditations on memory, crafted with technical brilliance and emotional depth. His January exhibition is not just an event—it’s an invitation to reflect on the landscapes of our own lives.
What Is Intaglio?
Intaglio is a traditional printmaking technique where an image is incised into copper or zinc plates with either acid or a chisel. Ink is applied into these recessed lines, and then the plate is pressed onto paper under high pressure, transferring the inked design. It is a multi-step process. Here we have images from Demaria’s studio so you can see his work come to life, from plate to page!
Before engraving his design, Demaria prepares his plate by sketching the landscape with a sharpie. On smaller plates, he’ll bring the plate to the subject he’s drawing and sketch on site. For larger plates he works from a combination of reference drawings and photos.
Using a special type of chisel called a burin, Demaria engraves the copper and carves out crevasses that hold ink.
Once Demaria is happy with the engraving, he uses the copper plate as a basis for a painting.
Ink is pushed into the grooves and wiped off the surface. He then selectively adds more ink and employs various wiping techniques to pull tone out of the line and create work that fluidly moves between carving and painting.
Dampened paper is placed on the inked plate, then run through a high-pressure press.
The Final Print
The paper lifts off, revealing the crisp, detailed image.
