Ref: SLW33374
Japanese vinyl for printmaking is similar to traditional linoleum. It is a smooth surface to draw upon and carve. It can be worked boldly and cut deeply, yet also holds a fine strong line. During this course, explore experimental carving and inking using Japanese vinyl to make a range of colourful and experimental prints.
You will be introduced to the tools and materials and have a chance to see what other experimental prints have been made. You will work with Japanese vinyl as a relief print (where the ink sits on the surface of the block). The focus will be on broadening your range of mark-making at the carving and printing stage, and exploring quick and beautiful ways of developing half tones on the surface of the blocks.
You will then work with the material as an intaglio print (where the ink sits in the grooves of the block) and learn a way of floating multiple layers of colour on the same block: this is called viscosity printing. The transparent layers of colour will combine to make stunning effects.
You will also work with reduction printing, learning how to make a multi-coloured image with this technique that was popularised by Picasso. It’s a chance to enjoy making fluid marks and develop a care-free attitude to printmaking.
The stunning setting of West Dean may inspire you to develop works that respond to the house and gardens. By the end of the course, you will have learned various ways of using Japanese vinyl and have made lots of colourful works.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Wuon-Gean Ho is an award-winning artist printmaker who was born in Oxford and now lives in London. She studied the art of Japanese woodblock printing in Japan. She makes prints, books and animations, and her work is in the collection of the V&A and British Museum.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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