Printmaking

Printmakers fall in love with black. The rich dark of printers ink has an intensity which is hard to describe, something like velvet night. Etching a zinc plate in acid, wiping the ink with the tarlatan, heaving the press through it's motion, pulling the paper back to reveal the image; it is a mysterious transformation of material and intent.

Printmaking had a vast and important place in the building of the modern world. From the first images of biblical stories to the reproduction of artists' works that spread the Renaissance through Europe, the print developed to bring multiples into being. The image was no longer confined to a unique place as prints were traded and travelled the length of the continent. Printmaking today has a niche of its own, delighting in the beauty of paper
and ink. At the Center we succumb to the limitations it imposes to create monoprints and etchings of high quality. Students learn the techniques of hardground, aquatint, softground, and sugar lift. We encourage exploration and our discussions range over a wide swath of subjects.

The print lab is open at all hours encouraging students to work as they find time. Class meets once a week for three hours.