Relief Printmaking: Book Projects

In this multi-level relief printmaking class, we invite artists and makers with prior printmaking experience to join us in the studio to refresh and refine their craft through planning, carving, and printing a full artist book. This project-based approach will build on all the foundational skills of relief printmaking, and allow students to review old skills and develop new ones within a supportive community of peers.

The class will explore two versatile book structures: the concertina and the kaleidocycle. Each student will develop and execute a unique plan for their book project, taking into consideration image and text relationships, narrative approaches, page imposition, and their own artistic goals and style.

Alongside the prompt to create an artist book, students will review carving methods, tool sharpening and maintenance, inking skills, registration, and safe use of a printing press.

Each student will receive their own 12” x 16” 3/8” Shina woodblock on the first session. Basic carving tools are available to use during class, but we encourage students to acquire their own set to use outside of class as well as Flexcut SlipStrop to keep your tools sharp.