Using razor-sharp Japanese gouges and knives, carve your image into a basswood plywood (shina) block; ink it, and print it!
Bring a sketch of the image that you plan to make a woodcut print of.
We will begin with introductions of instructor and students.
We will discuss the entire process, beginning with different types of wood, and their pros and cons for printmaking.
The instructor will demonstrate how to transfer your drawing to a lightly stained basswood block, and how to cut and gouge into the block safely and effectively to make the optimum image for printmaking. Students will have access to sets of sharp gouges and knives and ink, paper, and equipment to make handsome prints from your drawing. The supplies and equipment use is included in the “fees.
By taking this course, students will be able to demonstrate proper printing of a woodcut by:
transferring their drawing onto a basswood block;
carving their image onto their block, safely and carefully, using a knife, gouges, and a bench hook;
laying a smooth layer of ink neatly onto a glass surface, in preparation for inking their block for printing;
selecting the proper paper, trimming it to size;
inking their block, using a brayer (roller) and the proper amount of ink;
installing the inked block, and paper, into a registration jig, and adhering the paper to the inked block;
printing the image from their block onto the paper by using a baren or rubbing dowel or printing press;
studying the print (proof) to see what improvements need to be made to perfect the image;
altering the proof by using white paint or grease pencil to determine next cuts (optional);
making final cuts on the block;
making final prints, preferably a small edition;
placing the prints onto the drying rack to dry;
transporting the prints by using temporary slip sheets;
placing the prints in a stable place to dry.
Syllabus:
Week one:
Introductions of instructor and students;
Introduction to equipment, materials, tools;
Demonstration of transferring drawing to block;
Students transfer their drawing to the woodblock;
Demonstration of safely cutting and carving the woodblock;
Students begin carving their woodblock;
Week two:
Demonstration of safely cutting and carving the woodblock;
Students continue carving their woodblock;
Demonstration of rolling out a smooth layer of ink and inking the woodblock;
Demonstration of printing the woodblock;
Students ink their block, and print the woodblock using a burnishing tool.
Week three:
Demonstration of safely cutting and carving the woodblock;
Students continue carving their woodblock, if needed;
Demonstration of printing their woodblock on a printing press;
Students ink and print their woodblock on a printing press—a small edition.
Week four
Demonstration of safely cutting and carving the woodblock;
Students may transfer another image onto the back of their woodblock;
Students may carve and print a second image.
