Assignment #1: Make a "Sarah Zuckerman" Original

Sarah Zuckerman

September 9, 2013

Research Methodologies AVT 600

Assignment #1

Make a “Sarah Zuckerman” Original

Materials Needed:

Water-based block printing ink (colors needed: red, blue, yellow, black, and white. Optional colors: all others)

Linoleum block (5x7 or larger)

Brayer(s)

Palette Knives

Printmaking Paper (your choice)

Newsprint

Block carving tools (your choice)

Access to a printing press (your choice)
Additional materials for adding to prints: pencil, paint, found objects, glue, thread, etc.

Directions:

Select a size of linoleum block. Tear paper to appropriate size. You can choose to have a border or to have your print go to the edges (termed bleed print).

Choose a photograph that has elements in it that can stand out from the background of a scene.

Create a sketch based on the photograph to decide how you will use your block most effectively through a reductive method* of linoleum printing.

Choose colors for each layer.

Use a brayer to add a layer of ink to the block. Do not make it too thick or too thin.

When running through the press, place the paper on top of the block and protective cover (i.e. newsprint) on top and below the block/paper combination.

Run the block through the press. Make sure you test the pressure of the press prior to adding color for printing so you can determine if the press is too tight or too loose. If the press is too loose the color will not come out as desired, it may slide or be patchy. If the press is too tight the ink will push out the sides of the print and possibly ruin your block.

Use the entire block to lay down your first block of color, unless there is a necessary use of white in the imagery.

Clean the block in between each color run (with soap and water if water based ink) wait for the first layer to dry. Dry time depends on ink type (water based inks dry after about 10-20 minutes).

When doing the second, and subsequent layers, use the linocut tools provided to carve into the block to create a representation of the photograph. (Cut away from you and your hand so you do not cut yourself.)

Do not do any fewer than two layers and no more than five layers.

The number of prints produced can range from two to a print number of your choice. In each of the prints create or add another layer using hand applied methods including but not limited to painting, drawing, sewing into, or gluing objects that enhance the images and their meaning. The addition must not obliterate the image but act as a way to draw the viewers’ eye to a particular portion of the print, in each print.

While you do the additions you can work on the pieces simultaneously or individually.

When finished please let all pieces dry fully. Each image should be the same size, as well as the size of paper should be the same for each image.

You may choose to listen to music while you do any portion of the process.

*Reductive method of linoleum printing:

In a reductive print the artist removes more material from the same block prior to each printing. Print several copies of each layer as you print because you will not be able to go back and print that level again once you have cut away for the next. Think about how each layer of color will interact. You can use opaque colors or translucent colors depending on the image you select. You print the second level over the first layer, the third layer goes on top of the second layer (that has already gone over the first) and so on.