Get ready for an exploration of relief printing techniques in our new Relief Rodeo with local artistan, Max Hautala. Students will be learning to carve their own linoleum blocks and then use our historic presses to produce 10 copies of one single-color letterpress poster and 10 copies of a two-color letterpress postcard!
All materials are provided: students may chose to bring their own carving tool set or we'll provide one to take home!
This class runs three consecutive Saturdays:
October 28th, 6pm to 9pm
November 4th, 6pm to 9pm
November 11th, 6pm to 9pm
>> Details:
In this dynamic multi-session workshop, you'll delve into the art of relief printing, learning how to design, carve, and print your own captivating images and patterns using our letterpress equipment! Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, this class welcomes all skill levels and ages, fostering a supportive and inclusive creative environment.
We'll venture into both the basics and more advanced color-printing techniques. From ink etiquette to image design, block preparation, and carving skills, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the craft, allowing you to create vibrant, multi-block, color linocuts.
Throughout the course, you'll be guided by Max Hautala, a passionate printmaker excited to share his expertise in helping you unlock your creative potential. By the end of Relief Rodeo, you'll leave with three unique projects and the confidence to continue your printmaking journey independently.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to explore the world of relief printing and immerse yourself in the artistry and joy of printmaking. Enroll now and join us for an artistic adventure!
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Session 1, 10/28: Intro to Relief
- Introductions, sharing of experience and goals, and overview of class
- View examples from Max's archive for inspiration
- Guided drawing demo and activity
- Carving demo and activity: repeated patterns
Additional content to be covered includes: inking etiquette, prepping paper, how to translate ideas from sketchbook and how to come up with ideas: patterns & creatures, ink, edition & test paper prep.
**Homework: draw out new ideas for the next class, finish the block carving started in class
Session 2, 11/4: Reductive Relief
- Learning block set-up on a Vandercook Printing Press
- Print blocks from previous session the Vandercook press
- Discuss stencil printing, and how to make a 2 color reduction image
- Discuss and demo rainbow blend roll and selective inking
- Transfer sketchbook homework drawing to block with tracing paper/carbon paper
- Start to carve second block
**Homework: finish carving second block, ideation on combining blocks or making other unique prints for the upcoming class.
Session 3, 11/11: Relief Rodeo
- Continue printing carved blocks
- Experiment with techniques shown in prior session
- Experiment with combined blocks and different inking types
- Try out hand-printing
- Experiement with printing on hand-drawn or pre-prepped papers
- Final sharing of everyone's work and wrap up discussion/Q&A
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Artist Bio:
Hautala received his MFA in Printmaking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BS from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He has exhibited internationally, and his work has appeared in pop-up art events and street festivals. He is a Professor in Graphic Design, Illustration, and Printmaking at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and teaches at several Milwaukee-area universities. Hautala’s work centers around his lived experiences, both seen and felt.
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*Masks are not required at the time of this posting, but are very welcome. This may change by the time of the class, and The Bindery reserves the right to require masks or other safety precautions at any time. Participants will be alerted to any changes prior to the workshop.
*Due to the small nature of classes and the upfront materials costs, The Bindery has a no refunds or exchanges policy. If you cannot make it for some reason, please send a friend in your stead and let us know!
