Ref: SLW36141
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. ItÂ’s a chance to enjoy making fluid marks and develop a carefree 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.
On this course, the college will supply most of the materials, including four Japanese vinyl blocks, relief inks in yellow, red, green, blue and black, reducing medium, intaglio inks in red, blue and black, extender, Hosho paper, Somerset paper - 250gsm, tracing paper, newsprint, rags, scrim and a set of cutters.
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including extra Somerset 250gsm printing paper, tracing paper and Hosho paper, should you need it
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
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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