PrintmakingPrintmakingThe design and production of prints by an artistThe design and production of prints by an artist

Paul Celanreduction woodcut48 x 22.5 inches5 colorshand printedon washi

Washi literally means" Japanese paper" is a type of paper made in Japan. Washi is commonly made using fibers from trees and shrubs, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper, and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner.

► PrintmakingPrintmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper.

► Except in the case of monotype, the process is capable of producing multiples of the same piece, which is called a printprint..

► Painting or drawing creates ONE unique original piece of artwork.

► Prints are created from a single original surface, known technically as a matrix.matrix. Common types of matrices include: plates of metal, stone, used for lithography; blocks of wood for woodcuts, linoleum for linocuts and fabric plates for screen-printing.

► Works printed from a single plate create an editionedition, usually each is signed and numbered to form a limited edition.

Mount Fuji, from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, color woodcut by Katsushika Hokusai

What is it?What is it?

How to sign How to sign your printsyour prints

► We are going to learn how to We are going to learn how to create prints by cutting linoleum create prints by cutting linoleum blocks. blocks.

► Printmaking, as an art form and as Printmaking, as an art form and as a means of communication, has a a means of communication, has a long and interesting history. We will long and interesting history. We will learn about and value the process learn about and value the process of printmaking and the ramifications of printmaking and the ramifications it has had on our current societyit has had on our current society..

► Printmaking has shaped culture in Printmaking has shaped culture in all parts of the world. We will learn all parts of the world. We will learn how it was originally used as a form how it was originally used as a form of communication, but now is of communication, but now is valued as an artistic medium with valued as an artistic medium with unique technical qualities. unique technical qualities.

What will we learn?What will we learn?

PaperPaper► The invention of paper The invention of paper

set the stage for set the stage for printmaking throughout printmaking throughout the world, because paper the world, because paper was affordable and well-was affordable and well-suited to printing. As suited to printing. As papermaking knowledge papermaking knowledge spread from China to the spread from China to the rest of Asia, the Middle rest of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, East, and Europe, printmaking became printmaking became more widespread and more widespread and technologically technologically sophisticated. sophisticated.

► Printmaking has its roots Printmaking has its roots in prehistoric times, when in prehistoric times, when humans placed their humans placed their hands on cave walls and hands on cave walls and blew pulverized pigment blew pulverized pigment around them to create around them to create images. images.

► In approximately 500 BCE, In approximately 500 BCE, Sumerians carved images Sumerians carved images on cylinder seals that on cylinder seals that could be pressed into wet could be pressed into wet clay, thereby creating clay, thereby creating multiple imprints to multiple imprints to indicate the ownership of indicate the ownership of goods.goods.

► Chinese scholars created Chinese scholars created rubbings from carved rubbings from carved texts around 200 CE, an texts around 200 CE, an early form of printing that early form of printing that could be done on paper could be done on paper and silk. and silk.

Printing as artPrinting as art

► Printmaking initially flourished as Printmaking initially flourished as a form of communication, for it a form of communication, for it enabled artists to make multiples enabled artists to make multiples that could be disseminated to a that could be disseminated to a large number of people. large number of people.

► Starting in the eighth century, Starting in the eighth century, Japanese artists used printmaking to Japanese artists used printmaking to make multiple editions of Buddhist make multiple editions of Buddhist manuscripts. What is a manuscript?manuscripts. What is a manuscript?

► In fourteenth century Europe, In fourteenth century Europe, woodcut prints became a popular woodcut prints became a popular way to distribute Christian images to way to distribute Christian images to the common people. the common people.

► In the fifteenth century, Gutenberg’s In the fifteenth century, Gutenberg’s printed Bible ushered in a whole new printed Bible ushered in a whole new era of literacy.era of literacy.

Printing for CommunicationPrinting for Communication

► Johann Gutenberg Johann Gutenberg invented the printing invented the printing press in 1450. press in 1450.

► Europe prior to this was a Europe prior to this was a place full of illiterate place full of illiterate people: no books and no people: no books and no schools! schools!

► Ok, some books, but they Ok, some books, but they were owned only by were owned only by priests and the rich priests and the rich because they were hand because they were hand written either by monks written either by monks or scribes (what is this or scribes (what is this called?)called?)

► Information traveled by Information traveled by word of mouth; namely word of mouth; namely priests (this gave the priests (this gave the church lots of control over church lots of control over the people) and the the people) and the occasional traveling occasional traveling storyteller, or jongleur. storyteller, or jongleur.

Using the Gutenberg Press

The pressThe press

HistoryHistory► So Gutenberg invents this thing, the So Gutenberg invents this thing, the

printing press. What does it do? How does printing press. What does it do? How does it work?it work?

► What did the printing press allow us to What did the printing press allow us to make MANY of very quickly?make MANY of very quickly?

► What is the VERY FIRST book printed?What is the VERY FIRST book printed?

How do you think this invention affected the illiterate European How do you think this invention affected the illiterate European society?society?

• Schools emerged = Literacy!Schools emerged = Literacy!• Common people had access to MUCH more informationCommon people had access to MUCH more information• People saw contradictions among texts and caused individual People saw contradictions among texts and caused individual CRITICAL thinking CRITICAL thinking• Traditional power structures began to be challenged (the Traditional power structures began to be challenged (the Reformation)Reformation)• Scientific knowledge expanded (the Renaissance)Scientific knowledge expanded (the Renaissance)• The Church slowly but surely was losing absolute powerThe Church slowly but surely was losing absolute power• INDIVIDUALISM!! The idea spread that everyone was entitled to an INDIVIDUALISM!! The idea spread that everyone was entitled to an opinion and could print it in a book! opinion and could print it in a book!

But how does the Printing Press affect your life, today???But how does the Printing Press affect your life, today???All these things resulted in the formation of All these things resulted in the formation of DEMOCRACYDEMOCRACY

Famous PrintmakersFamous Printmakers

► From the Renaissance onward, individual artists became From the Renaissance onward, individual artists became known for their spectacular use of printmaking. known for their spectacular use of printmaking.

► Albrecht Dürer dazzled fifteenth century audiences with the Albrecht Dürer dazzled fifteenth century audiences with the exquisite detail and craftsmanship of his paintings, woodblock exquisite detail and craftsmanship of his paintings, woodblock prints, and engravings. prints, and engravings.

► Two centuries later, Rembrandt’s mastery of the intaglio Two centuries later, Rembrandt’s mastery of the intaglio medium enabled him to create an influential group of over medium enabled him to create an influential group of over three hundred printmaking plates. three hundred printmaking plates.

► About the same time, Japanese artists such as Katsushika About the same time, Japanese artists such as Katsushika Hokusai took the art of woodblock printing to new heights. Hokusai took the art of woodblock printing to new heights.

► Over time, the “toolbox” of printmaking techniques expanded Over time, the “toolbox” of printmaking techniques expanded to include etching, mezzotint, and eventually lithography, to include etching, mezzotint, and eventually lithography, silkscreen, and monoprint. As processes became more silkscreen, and monoprint. As processes became more complex, more artists began to work in printshops with complex, more artists began to work in printshops with professional facilities and the expertise of a Master Printer. professional facilities and the expertise of a Master Printer.

Dürer's Rhinoceros, woodcut, 1515.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1497-98, Woodcut

Albrecht Dürer Albrecht Dürer

HokusaiHokusai► Katsushika HokusaiKatsushika Hokusai ( (November 1760–May 10, November 1760–May 10,

1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and 1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. printmaker of the Edo period.

► Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best-known as Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best-known as author of the woodblock print series author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Thirty-six Views of Mount FujiViews of Mount Fuji (1831) which includes the (1831) which includes the iconic and internationally recognized print, iconic and internationally recognized print, The The Great Wave off KanagawaGreat Wave off Kanagawa, created during the , created during the 1820s.1820s.

► Hokusai created the "Thirty-Six Views" both as a Hokusai created the "Thirty-Six Views" both as a response to a domestic travel boom and as part of response to a domestic travel boom and as part of a personal obsession with Mount Fuji. It was this a personal obsession with Mount Fuji. It was this series, specifically series, specifically The Great WaveThe Great Wave print and print and Fuji Fuji in Clear Weatherin Clear Weather, that secured Hokusai’s fame , that secured Hokusai’s fame both within Japan and overseas both within Japan and overseas

► Ukiyo-e Ukiyo-e "pictures of the floating world", is a genre "pictures of the floating world", is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings produced between the 17th and the 20th produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries, featuring motifs of landscapes, tales centuries, featuring motifs of landscapes, tales from history, the theatre and pleasure quarters. It from history, the theatre and pleasure quarters. It is the main artistic genre of woodblock printing in is the main artistic genre of woodblock printing in Japan.Japan.

► The "floating world" (The "floating world" (ukiyoukiyo) refers to the impulsive ) refers to the impulsive urban culture that bloomed and was a world unto urban culture that bloomed and was a world unto itself. Although the traditional classes of Japanese itself. Although the traditional classes of Japanese society were bound by numerous strictures and society were bound by numerous strictures and prohibitions, the rising merchant class was prohibitions, the rising merchant class was relatively unregulated, therefore "floating."relatively unregulated, therefore "floating."

1839 Self Portrait

Mount Fuji, from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, color woodcut by Katsushika Hokusai

The Great Wave off KanagawaThe Great Wave off Kanagawa, , Hokusai's most famous print,Hokusai's most famous print,the first in the series the first in the series 36 Views of Mount Fuji36 Views of Mount Fuji

LinocutLinocut

► The linocut is a printmaking technique The linocut is a printmaking technique similar to that of the woodcut, the difference similar to that of the woodcut, the difference being that the image is engraved on being that the image is engraved on linoleum instead of wood. linoleum instead of wood.

► Since linoleum offers an easier surface for Since linoleum offers an easier surface for working, linocuts offer more precision and a working, linocuts offer more precision and a greater variety of effects than woodcuts. greater variety of effects than woodcuts.

► Long disparaged by serious artists as not Long disparaged by serious artists as not challenging enough, the linocut came into its challenging enough, the linocut came into its own after artists like Picasso and Matisse own after artists like Picasso and Matisse began to work in that technique. began to work in that technique.

1.1. The artist draws a sketch on a matirx, in our case a The artist draws a sketch on a matirx, in our case a linoleum block, or on paper which is transferred to linoleum block, or on paper which is transferred to the matrix. the matrix.

2.2. The artist then uses sharp tools to carve away the The artist then uses sharp tools to carve away the parts of the linoleum that he/she does parts of the linoleum that he/she does not not want to want to receive the ink. receive the ink.

3.3. Ink is spread onto a plate. Then the raised parts of Ink is spread onto a plate. Then the raised parts of the linocut are inked with a brayer.the linocut are inked with a brayer.

4.4. Then a sheet of paper, perhaps slightly damp, is Then a sheet of paper, perhaps slightly damp, is placed over the linocut. placed over the linocut.

5.5. The linocut with the paper on top is then run through The linocut with the paper on top is then run through the printing press, which applies even pressure.the printing press, which applies even pressure.

6.6. The print is then “pulled” from the linocut. You then The print is then “pulled” from the linocut. You then have either an artist’s proof or the first print of your have either an artist’s proof or the first print of your edition.edition.

The ProcessThe Process

PABLO PICASSO,PABLO PICASSO,Le Peintre à la Le Peintre à la PalettePalette, , 1963, linocut.1963, linocut.Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Milton RosenbaumMilton Rosenbaum

►     Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). (Spanish, 1881-1973). Still Life Under a LampStill Life Under a Lamp, , 1962; color linocut. John 1962; color linocut. John L. Severance Fund 1984.L. Severance Fund 1984.

 

► Pablo Picasso,Pablo Picasso, Portrait Portrait of Young Girl (after of Young Girl (after Cranach)Cranach), 1958 , 1958

► Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso "Tête de "Tête de Femme"/"Portrait Femme"/"Portrait de Jacqueline de de Jacqueline de face. II“ face. II“ colorlinocut, IV. colorlinocut, IV. 19621962

► Henri Matisse (French, b. 1869, La Cateau, France, d. 1954, Nice, France)Head of a Woman, 1938

► PrintmakingPrintmakingPrintmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paperPrintmaking is the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper

► ReliefReliefA type of sculpture in which form projects from a background.A type of sculpture in which form projects from a background.

► Printing pressPrinting pressA printing press is a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface A printing press is a mechanical device for applying pressure to an inked surface resting upon a medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring an image. resting upon a medium (such as paper or cloth), thereby transferring an image. The systems involved were first assembled in Germany by the goldsmith Johann The systems involved were first assembled in Germany by the goldsmith Johann GutenbergGutenberg

► EditionEditionThe number of images printed from the plate is called an edition. The body of the The number of images printed from the plate is called an edition. The body of the edition is numbered (for example, 1/100 through 10/100) directly on the print, in edition is numbered (for example, 1/100 through 10/100) directly on the print, in pencil. Additional proofs, such as artist's proofs, are also part of the edition. pencil. Additional proofs, such as artist's proofs, are also part of the edition.

► Artist's ProofsArtist's ProofsArtist's proofs are those impressions from an edition that are specifically intended Artist's proofs are those impressions from an edition that are specifically intended for the artist's own use. These impressions are in addition to the numbered for the artist's own use. These impressions are in addition to the numbered edition and are so noted in pencil as artist proof or A/P. The legitimate number of edition and are so noted in pencil as artist proof or A/P. The legitimate number of artist's proofs for a given edition us usually around 10% of the total.artist's proofs for a given edition us usually around 10% of the total.

► StatesStatesOnce the artist has drawn an image, he or she may pull several prints. If the artist Once the artist has drawn an image, he or she may pull several prints. If the artist subsequently changes the image, the first prints are called first state, and the subsequently changes the image, the first prints are called first state, and the subsequent prints with the change, second state. The artist can continue to make subsequent prints with the change, second state. The artist can continue to make changes, with the number of states going as high as ten or more. These state changes, with the number of states going as high as ten or more. These state proofs are, for demanding collectors, objects of desire.proofs are, for demanding collectors, objects of desire.

Terms to knowTerms to know

Things to remember…Things to remember…

Reverse ImageReverse ImagePulling a Print Pulling a Print BrayerBrayerContrastContrastTexture (implied)Texture (implied)PatternPatternBench Hook Bench Hook PlatePlatePositive AreasPositive AreasNegative AreasNegative AreasRegistrationsRegistrationsSelf-PortraitSelf-Portrait

Beginning StudioBeginning Studio

► You will be creating a two color reduction print. You will be creating a two color reduction print. The subject is Hokusai’s wave. You will create The subject is Hokusai’s wave. You will create an image that incorporates his wave. You must an image that incorporates his wave. You must change it to be your own in some way.change it to be your own in some way.

► You must come up with 2 thumbnail sketches You must come up with 2 thumbnail sketches that explore 2 different ideas and compositions. that explore 2 different ideas and compositions. You must add color with colored pencil. You must add color with colored pencil.

►When you finish, at least 50% of your block When you finish, at least 50% of your block should be cut away.should be cut away.

Studio II, Advanced and APStudio II, Advanced and AP

►You will be creating a three or four You will be creating a three or four color reduction print. You may choose color reduction print. You may choose your subject matter, but your piece your subject matter, but your piece must convey a feeling and/or emotion. must convey a feeling and/or emotion. You may do this through subject You may do this through subject matter, color, or line quality.matter, color, or line quality.

►You must come up with four thumbnail You must come up with four thumbnail sketches that explore different sketches that explore different compositions.compositions.

How and why has the How and why has the face, especially the self-face, especially the self-portrait, been so portrait, been so prominent an image prominent an image through out the history of through out the history of art ?art ?