In this tutorial workshop we looked at the idea of printmaking as a form challenges the idea of an original artwork because of its capacity to produce multiple prints.
Vegetable Prints:
At this station we were exploring patterns from nature. We experiment with a range of fruits and vegetables. I used a celery bunch, apple, onion and orange. We had to apply paint/ink to the vegetable/fruit and make a series of repeated prints. I found this process fascinating and was thinking how my own students would love this. I think you could even build on this process with adding colour and texture.
Block Printing:
Using a foam plate we etched a pattern in the foam. I used a ball point pen to make my pattern. I tried to do some straight lines and indents to make it more interesting. I then rolled the ink on to foam and pressed print onto paper repeatedly to form a pattern. I would use this process at school and I also think this would be a good process to build texture and using colour. It would be good to use nature as an inspiration and students would love to go outside and collect things to make patterns with.
Rolling Pin Prints:
We moved onto Rolling Pin Prints. This has to be one of my favourite so far. I was so fascinated how adding bubble wrap, string or cling wrap to a rolling pin, the depth of pattern you could produce. This is a technique I have already used in the class. We collected materials that are used to protect fruit, which had a great effect. I believe that the possibilities are endless.
Form:
Printmaking
Materials:
ink, mat, paper towel, brushes, objects (vegetables/fruits), foam, paper, rolling pins, bubble wrap and paint.
Links to the curriculum:
VAES1.2 Experiments with a range of media in selected forms.
Relationship to key concepts of Visual Arts
(e.g. the elements/principles of art)
(e.g. the elements/principles of art)
Explores the qualities of different drawing media and tools such as graphite (‘lead’) and colour pencils, fibre tip pens, crayons, brushes, sticks and computer applications in drawing. • begins to explore simple techniques in printmaking such as potato block printing and stamping
