Indirect Magic: Working with Linocut – T. Klacsmann

Dates: August 9 – 13, 2021
Studio: Intaglio
Tuition: Sliding Scale $300-1200
Lab fee: $75
Class limit: 5

In order to reserve your space in the class, we require a deposit. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis, and you can read about our refund and cancellation policies here.Click Here For Materials List

Relief carving is a demanding and time-consuming technique historically valued for its capacity for intricate detail and high reproducibility.  I describe it as “indirect,” firstly, because, like all printmaking, the final image results from contact with an intermediate surface, the block, rather than from direct action of the artist. Secondly, relief carving in particular is at a remove from the gesture of the artist because the positive areas in the final image result from inking material left behind after the removal of block material. Therefore it is not the material that has been acted upon, but the untouched material that leads to the final marks on the page.  Because it involves removing material, precision, commitment and careful planning can all contribute to successful relief prints.

We will create a relief print, taking a linocut block from conception to final printing with a focus on carving discrete objects, animals, or figure that can be “cut out” from the surrounding block.  I will demonstrate how both the carved portion and the remaining block material can be inked and printed together to create a complete composition without masking or registration.  I will also cover the safe use of and care for tools, a variety of options for image transfer, and block preparation. Each participant will have up to 18 x 12” of block material available, and we will carve and print a moderately sized (up to 9 x 12”) linocut.  Based on each students’ vision, we can then explore options such as: shaping the plate, exploring narrative with the addition of a second shaped plate, and/or printing block to block to create a mirror image block and print.  I will discuss ink, paper, and printing options. By the end of the course, each participant will have carved and printed a linocut block, gained an awareness of a variety of strategies for carving relief prints, and explored some of the many possibilities for creating a finishes prints using these versatile blocks.

Because the level difficulty varies widely based on the ambitiousness and complexity of the block attempted, this course is appropriate for beginners or those with some experience.