Printmaking

Japanese woodblock prints (mokuhanga) are characterized by the luminous brilliance of watercolors hand-printed from multiple blocks in tight registration using a traditional baren. No press is required, water is the only solvent, pigments sink deeply into the paper, and minimal workspace is needed. Students design block sets to be machine-carved using a laser cutter, then ink and print the blocks using traditional mokuhanga techniques. This workshop takes place in both the Patton Print Shop and the Digital Fabrication Lab.

Investigate the current trends of print media in contemporary culture and get the tools to make a personal artistic statement using screen printing. This workshop focuses on water-based photo screen printing techniques as well as low-tech stencil printing methods. Technical demonstrations cover beginning photo screen printing processes, one- and two-color registration, a combination of hand dyeing, draw back into, manipulation of the surface, water-soluble markers, and hand-cut and photo stencil methods. Each student creates experimental, unique prints and comes away from this workshop with a toolbox of new printmaking techniques.

Dig deep into copper plate intaglio in this exploratory workshop that builds skills and allows for experimentation. Students are introduced to paper dyeing methods using organic pigments that can be applied to chine collé to create rich and colorful results. A loose approach to aquatint is presented using a thinned ground and step etching to encompass a painterly effect, creating atmosphere and depth. Students also combine soft ground and hard ground to achieve images and surfaces that resonate.