Printmaking: Material Transformations

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Work effectively in series, investigating a theme or topic of their choice through the medium of print.
2. Produce a portfolio of prints that shows material experimentation around the ideas of pressure, reversal, repetition and layering.
3. Record their thinking process, inspirations and experiments in a sketchbook/lab-book of drawings, writing, technical records, and collaged visual material.
4. Use techniques and materials in a selective and critical manner with regard to process and subject matter.
5. Explore and expand their own art practice through their awareness of contemporary and historic traditions of printmaking
6. Develop responsible patterns of working within the shared print studio, demonstrating awareness of safe practices and respect for others

This module introduces students to the fruitful and magical realm of printmaking. Printmaking encompasses materiality and magic, science and alchemy. It introduces an artistic practice which is driven by both experimentation and intuition. We cast our plate into the cauldron and stir, not knowing what may emerge; we receive our work back from the secret embrace of the press reversed and made unfamiliar. Printmaking demands that the artist engages fearlessly with chance and uncertainty as a path to resolution.

The purpose of this module is to introduce to the student the possibilities and potential of printmaking as a means for developing and producing images in multiple form. Print is a fruitful method of artistic inquiry as it can generate many versions of an image, both identical and altered. The processes allow for rethinking and remodelling the plate in order to edit the image, which builds confidence and dispels fear of the blank page. The ability to work in series facilitates problem-solving and increases productivity for the artist. The course also provides a sound foundation in professional workshop practice, and provides technical instruction in the use of materials and processes of Printmaking.
Print is an excellent tool for dissemination of images and economical use of time and resources for the artist. Many artists generate income through print sales as part of their practice, so this module chimes with our targets for employability, in aiming to improve the commercial viability of the artist's practice.

Material Transformations is a grounding in the creative use of printmaking for the contemporary artist. Our lectures under the broad headings of Pressure, Reversal, Repetition and Layering, will investigate the conceptual potential of printmaking through its history, traditions and use by contemporary artists. Group tutorials will explore ways of thinking about and responding to the material facts of print. In our weekly workshop sessions, practical printmaking techniques will be chosen to echo these inquiries and might include, Drypoint; Collagraph, encompassing Tetrapak/Environmount plate building and freeform images; Monotype in various forms; Etching on copper or aluminium; Linocut; Woodcut; Chine colle; and Screenprinting. The resulting prints will speak of the many ways in which a printing plate or matrix can be created and manipulated to produce a series of images.

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4