Wood Engraving with Letterpress
Adult Class | This program is completed
Combine your own image with text to create an editioned print, bookplate, or card. We’ll achieve this by creating wood engravings and printing them alongside of moveable type using Fleisher’s small proofing press and newly revitalized antique platen press.
Wood engraving is a relief process that involves using engraving tools to carve into the end grain of dense wood. This differs from woodcuts in that woodcuts are carved from plank grain using gouges, knives, and chisels. The difference allows the artist to create highly detailed images that can be printed many times.
No previous carving or printing experience is necessary, but patience, good eyesight, and a steady hand are very helpful.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COURSE
1 Knowledge of the basic history of wood engraving and letterpress
2 Basic knowledge of carving using engraving tools
3 Basic knowledge of printing by hand and using a small proofing press
4 Exploration of combining text and image to create a composition
5 Exploration of line to create the illusion of different values within a composition
- Your woodblock will be provided as part of your lab fee, along with some tools.
START THE TERM WITH THESE SUPPLIES: - • Pencil*
- • Newsprint*
- • Printing paper of your choice (paper possibilities will be discussed in class)*
- • An idea
MIDWAY THROUGH THE SEMESTER STUDENTS WILL NEED THESE SUPPLIES:- While there will be a variety of tools available to share in class, many students opt to order their own personal tool for carving fine lines so they are able to carve outside of class. If I had to recommend only one tool to order for carving, it would be this one:
- •#2 elliptical tint carving tool recommended, but not required. Some tools will be available to use during class.
- http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/engravingtools/elliptictint.html