Printmaking has a noble tradition in both fine arts and commercial arts. From the woodblock prints of the avant-garde German Expressionists to Art Deco poster design, you've probably all seen prints that have inspired you. It may seem a bit anachronistic these days, what with the proliferation of digital printing services, but printmaking can be a beautiful and very rewarding pastime.
The Australian Print Workshop on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
There aren't many places where you can make prints of your own, but the Australian Print Workshop is one of those few places. The Australian Print Workshop is a printmaking facility of world-class standards, the best of its kind in Australia. It provides both emerging and established printmakers with access to state of the art printing presses. It also runs classes for the general public. If you would like to pursue an interest in printmaking, perhaps you could give one of these classes a go.
Introduction to Etching
If you've admired the etchings of the great masters, here is your chance to have a go at the technique yourself. Learn all the basics, including hard and soft grounds, dry point, lift grounds and aquatint.
Relief Printing
Relief printing is the technique of cutting away at a wood or lino surface to create a relief. The relief is then inked and printed. In this class, you will learn all the techniques necessary for relief printing, including preparing and carving the block, inking the block, and printing.
Monotype
Monotype is part printmaking, part painting. You create one-off prints using water-based and oil-based mediums. In this class you will learn about different processes, inks, mediums, modifiers, papers and plates. You will also produce a small series of monotype prints.
Drawing onto a lithography stone
In addition to the above classes, there are also classes on perspex etching, lithography, and constructed books. The Australian Print Workshop's
website allows you to download a PDF of all class times and class prices. The Australian Print Workshop is located at 210 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Why not give it a go?
