Introduction to

Workshop Overview

Relief printmaking is one of the oldest forms of printing, which developed originally to produce multiple images quickly and inexpensively. Not surprisingly, some of the earliest prints produced were playing cards, devotional images, illustrations of newsworthy events, and paper currency. On the most basic level, this technique involves cutting or removing material from the surface of a plate, such as a plank of wood, a linoleum block, or any other material that can be cut into, to create lines or shapes. When ink is applied to the finished plate, the gauged, scratched, or cut areas remain free of ink (white), while the remaining surface is printed in color. The oldest woodcut prints were black and white, but the technique quickly evolved to produce multi-color images. Relief printing can utilise a variety of materials, including paper, as well as other materials such as fabric and ceramics. 

This class will provide students with an introduction to this versatile technique by exploring three main types of relief printmaking: woodcut, linocut and collagraph. We will make multiple prints from a single plate as well as single, unique images called monoprints. Students will use a small printing press and will learn how to hand-print.

Materials

All required materials and tools will be provided.