Introduction to Woodcut

12/03/2022 10:00 AM - 12/10/2022 04:00 PM ET

Category

Workshop

Admission

  • $250.00

Summary

Introductory course exploring the Art of Woodcut Relief Printing

Description

Dates: Saturday December 3, 2022 and Saturday December 10, 2022

Times: 10 AM - 4PM

Members $ 225.00

Non-Members $ 250.00

Instructor: Sydney Samele

Description:  During this introductory workshop Artists will  explore the age old process  of Woodcut Printmaking. Participants in this introductory exploration will design a black and white image that will be drawn, carved, and printed through an etching press. Practical matters such as learning how to use and maintain their carving tools, wood selection, and studio equipment needs will be addressed. Artists will be guided through preliminary drawings, mark making, and printing editions. By the end of the second session participants will produce an edition of 4 identical black and white prints.

This workshop is held on two Saturdays December 3rd and December 10th) in order to give artists a week between to work on their carving.

Instructor Bio

Sydney Samele is a Connecticut based printmaker and illustrator. She graduated from the University of Hartford with her BFA in 2021. Sydney experiments with various printmaking techniques, such as etching, lithography, monotype, silkscreen, and relief. Her work explores mythology and transformation through water. She has exhibited work in the New Britain Museum of American Art, Gallery on the Green, The Connecticut Art Gallery, Five Points Art Gallery, NRHC, Joseloff Gallery, Silpe Gallery and the Monastery Art Gallery.

 

Materials and Overview

Day 1

The first day will start off with a brief introduction to printmaking followed by a carving and printing demonstration. Students will be given small wooden panels to practice using their tools. The etching press will be set up to print each student’s panel. They will ink up their blocks and print their first block. After lunch, students will be shown examples of various ways to approach the execution of their project. The remainder of the day will be spent designing an image, transferring the image and carving it into their woodblock.

 Day 2

 The second day will begin with a Hand Burnishing Demo. This will enable students to print their woodblocks without a press. Printing on different kinds of paper is encouraged. Students will finish carving their blocks and begin proofing their images. Following the lunch break, students will begin printing an edition of 4 identical prints. They may choose between hand burnishing and/or printing on the press. 

Materials That Will Be Provided By Five Points Arts Center

● 4x6 wood blocks ( smaller blocks of wood like 4x4 would also work) 

● 8x10 wood blocks

 ● Water based relief ink

● Jig for the etching press

 Materials Provided By The Participant( Suggested Resources will be sent to those who register)

 ● Transfer Paper

● One Japanese Detail Carving Tool Set - #44D1005 (set of 5 tools in plastic case) Available from Lee Valley Tools (look under Woodworking > Carving > Hand Carving > Carving Tool Sets on the website) at www.leevalley.com.

● One 1.5mm #11 U-gouge - #44D1015 (This is a very fine tool for making tiny marks – important to have.) www.leevalley.com Please note: Other types of woodcut tools may or may not work very well, so these tools are recommended.

Optional additional tools:

● Flexcut #1x7/8” (22mm) Gouge-Palm Tool (Handled) FR 705 www.flexcut.com (Very helpful for clearing away large areas.)

● Flexcut Slip Strop honing kit PW12 www.flexcut.com (Good for keeping your tools sharp as you use them). This item is also available from www.leevalley.com. The print shop will have one you can use during the workshop.

Drawing and Paper Materials:

● Pencils, soft charcoal pencil, Sharpie markers (1 Ultra Fine and 1 regular) ● 3-5 sheets of printing paper, choose from any of the following: Rives Heavyweight white – 26x40” Rives BFK white or buff – 22x30” 2 Somerset white – 22x30” Japanese papers, such as Sekishu – 24x39” or Moriki - 25x36” (Smooth drawing paper pad such as Canson XL Recycled Medium Smooth Pad - 18x24” could be a less expensive alternative.)

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