About

Collagraphy is the art of collaging layers of cardboard and other materials, which you then ink and print using the etching press. This versatile and economical style of printmaking can produce an exciting array of textures in finished prints.

Learn the art of collagraph printing in this workshop, where you'll begin by creating plates, learning how to prepare cardboard, then scribe it with sharp tools, carve away sections, peel the surface, and glue on additional pieces of cardboard or other flat materials to produce a variety of image effects. The result will be a multi-dimensional printing surface. 

We'll then print multiple copies of our plates using both intaglio and relief inking techniques. In intaglio printing, ink is pushed into the low-lying areas of the plate and wiped away from the raised surface. In relief printing, ink is applied to the highest surfaces of the plate with a brayer. This can produce multiple prints with different looks from the same plate.

Details

• Experience level: Beginner
• You're welcome to bring reference images to work from if you wish. Our plates will be 8 inches by 10 inches.
• Bring a lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave on the lower level.

Details

A $10 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers everything you'll need, such as:

• 8-inch by 10-inch cardboard plates
• X-Acto knives and styluses for carving
• Glue for adding collage elements
• Ink knives for conditioning and mixing ink
• Oil-based inks
• Brayers
• Paper for printing (rag paper such as Rives BFK)
• Nitrile gloves and aprons

Project

You'll make a series of prints on paper made from your cardboard collagraph plate using oil-based ink.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.