Social/Political Assignment Part 2-Printmaking

Per our classroom discussion and slideshow on designing a social/political composition, you were asked to decide on an idea/cause/issue you wanted to speak about.

Assignment:
Printmaking-Reduction Print

Objective:
The student will learn how to create a multicolor print using one plate/block. The students will focus and demonstrate the Principles of Art (Line, Shape, and Color) and the Elements of Art (Emphasis, Balance, Harmony, Rhythm, and Unity).

Vocabulary:
Reduction print, brayer, ink plate, gouge, block/plate, edition, and baren 

Supplies:
Designing Step: scratch paper, pencil, color pencils, light table (optional), marker/sharpie, carbon paper 
Printing Step: 9" x 12" rubber block/plate, 11" x 15" paper, water-based ink, gouge, brayer, ink plate, baren, damp towel

The Process:
The act of making a block reduction print is an abstract concept to most students and most will still have questions at the end of a demonstration. The actual authentic learning and understanding occurs during the process of gouging and printing.

Step 1: Design image with color choices

Step 2: Transfer image to plate with pencil, carbon paper (optional), and trace with a think tip permanent marker. The following examples were made in class. Thanks Hasnae allowing me to use your example:

Step 3: Gouging or Printing. If the final image will have white in it, gouge out the white area. If there will be no white in the image, begin printing. In either scenario print the lightest color first. You will print all 12 sheets.

Step 4: Once you printed all 12 sheets wash your block/plate and carve out the area of the color you just printed. Repeat this step after each color. Allow at least 5 hours in between printing colors.

Caution: avoid over inking a block as it will both smear the image and build up a layer of ink.

Step 5: Sign, number, and title (optional) each print. 

Finished and unfinished student examples: 

Nabil's print after 3 colors (white, silver, and blue)

Jomana's final print

Farida's final print

Ink and brayer on an ink plate

Related links: Natalia Moroz Blue Chisel Studio

Post project essential questions:
What was successful about your project?
What part of the project did you find challenging?
Is the concept of reduction printing still an abstract idea or do you think you could do it again without instruction and/or can teach it to a peer?
Why do you think printmakers make a set edition of prints?

Please answer and e-mail your responses to: bmedina@schutzschool.org.eg