Improvisational Woodcut

This workshop is full.  Call to put your name on the waiting list.

It’s like Jazz, but with sharp tools, wood, paper and ink!

This most ancient of printmaking techniques honors the hand, the mark, and the constructive destruction of wood transformed by carving, scratching and abrading. Each block is a layer of information that can be combined with stencils and masks to yield unique, contemporary results. Students will make a set of plates that can be used alone or in conjunction with one another. We use Shina plywood, a wonderful material that is easy to cut and keeps fine detail. Tool maintenance and sharpening, ink modification, transfer techniques, and printing techniques will be addressed. This is a unique way to work with woodblock that can have the immediacy of collage, yet with the possibility of multiples and work within a series for which printmaking is ideal.

For people who have been frightened of carving, or who have had bad past experiences with splintering wood and dull clunky tools, this workshop will add much to your printmaking repertoire!  No experience necessary.