printmaking
Caretakers
John Newman
Printmaking, since its discovery has been used in the development of cultures throughout the world.
The earliest printed images were relief prints. There were wooden stamps found in Eqypt, clay seals in Rome and brick seals in Babylonia. From the earliest times, seals carved from various substances were found in China. The crucial invention of paper by the Chinese around A.D. 105 made it possible to transfer multiple stamped imagery to a more suitable surface.
Printmaking is an artistic process coupled with various techniques and methodologies to produce multiple original works of art. This process is used in the development and production of educational tools, book illustrations, religious imagery, maps, playing cards, works of art and the commemoration of important historic events. The print is a multiple, unlike painting or sculpture, which is most commonly associated with the production of a single piece of work.
Prints are multiples created from a single original surface or image. Materials used to make prints are planks of wood, metal plates linoleum, plastic sheets, lime stones and fabric. Works are created and printed from surfaces that have been etched, carved, drawn and sensitized to create an edition, which is then signed and numbered. A single print could be the product of one or numerous impressions although today it is a common practice to limit the edition number and signed prints. A printmaker, depending on the process used to lift the print, may work with a variety of mediums, including water and oil based ink, oil pastels, and water soluble pigments to produce a print. Printmaking in the last quarter of the 20th century has changed rapidly with works incorporating many different media although most prints still fall in the traditional categories of intaglio, relief, serigraphy lithography, and digital.
Intaglio, engraving the image areas are etched or cut below the surface of the plate. Dampened paper is pressed onto the inked plate and the recessed lines holding the inked image is transferred to the paper.
Relief, the chosen image is cut and carved to retain height while the non-essential areas reduced to a level to receive little or no ink or pressure. The image area is rolled or brushed with ink , paper applied then pressure with a spoon, burin or printing press. In the early stages of our printmaking career we may have produced a block print or a potato print.
Serigraphy, or silkscreen or screenprinting is an adaptation or extension of the stencil-method. Images are drawn on stretched fabric and the non-image areas and made nonporous. With paper or fabric under the frame and desired ink on top, a rubber squeegee is pulled over the image with pressure pushing the ink through the image areas.
Lithography, a planographic process meaning the printing surface is flat and printing depends upon a chemical reaction and the mutual antipathy of grease and water. The image is drawn on plate or stone with a greasy material (crayon or touché) and the un-drawn areas is treated to repel ink and absorb water.
Digital, a printmaking process commonly used today. The image is produced with the aide of the computer and various software. Photographic or drawn images are manipulated digitally and printed on fine papers.
Courses
ARTS 3403 Etching I
Introduction to intaglio and relief. Prerequisite: ARTS 1313 and (ARTS 2003 or ARTS 2013 or ARTS 2023).
ARTS 3413 Etching II
Advanced work in intaglio or relief. Students select one area for study. Intaglio emphasizes working with copper plates and color printing. Background in color studies preferred but not mandatory. Prerequisite: ARTS 3403 or ARTS 3463.
ARTS 3423 Printmaking-Lithography
Introduction to lithography with emphasis on stone lithographic techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 1313 and (ARTS 2003 or ARTS 2013 or ARTS 2023).
ARTS 3433 Lithography II
Advanced study with emphasis on color printing and plate lithography techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 3423.
ARTS 3443 Serigraphy I
Introduction to serigraphy techniques, including cut stencil, resist methods, and photosensitized screens. Some knowledge of photography preferred, but not mandatory. Prerequisite: ARTS 1313 and (ARTS 2003 or ARTS 2013 or ARTS 2023).
ARTS 3453 Serigraphy II
Continuation of the study and use of serigraphy techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 3443.
ARTS 3463 Introduction to Printmaking
Introduces the student to printmaking through primary methods used in relief, serigraphic, intaglio, and lithographic techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 1013 and (ARTS 2003 or ARTS 2013 or ARTS 2023).
ARTS 4463 Etching III
Continued study of intaglio or relief. Prerequisite: ARTS 3413.
ARTS 4473 Lithography III
Continued advanced study of lithography techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 3433.
ARTS 4483 Printmaking IV
Continued advanced study in various printmaking media. Prerequisite: ARTS 4463 or ARTS 4473.
ARTS 449V Special Problems in Prints (1-6)
Individual projects in one area of printmaking. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: ARTS 4463 or ARTS 4473.