Module Information

Module Identifier

AR10320

Module Title

Printmaking: Material Transformations

Academic Year

2026/2027

Co-ordinator

Ms Flora Mclachlan

Semester

Semester 2

Course Delivery

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Sketchbook Sketchbook/Lab Notes showing the thinking behind their practical work, with experiments and ideas recorded for reference.	25%
Semester Assessment	Portfolio of prints A portfolio of prints and relevant artist research presented as a pdf, formatted according to the provided template.	75%
Supplementary Assessment	Sketchbook Sketchbook/Lab Notes showing the thinking behind their practical work, with experiments and ideas recorded for reference.	25%
Supplementary Assessment	Portfolio of prints A portfolio of prints and relevant artist research presented as a pdf, formatted according to the provided template.	75%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Work effectively in series, investigating a theme or topic of their choice through the medium of print.

Produce a portfolio of prints that shows material experimentation around the ideas of pressure, reversal, repetition and layering.

Record their thinking process, inspirations and experiments in a sketchbook/lab-book of drawings, writing, technical records, and collaged visual material.

Use techniques and materials in a selective and critical manner with regard to process and subject matter.

Explore and expand their own art practice through their awareness of contemporary and historic traditions of printmaking

Develop responsible patterns of working within the shared print studio, demonstrating awareness of safe practices and respect for others

Brief description

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.

Aims

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.

Content

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.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Co-ordinating with others	Development and encouragement of teamwork as student interaction occurs during workshop time with negotiation of the use of shared equipment, helping each other remember and perform the processes correctly, and sharing of ideas enriching the creative work.
Creative Problem Solving	Development of practical printmaking skills and problem solving in printmaking - applying the language to what they wish to say, observing the results and then responding practically and creatively to them to produce a finished print statement or story.
Critical and analytical thinking	Development of a self-critical approach to creative working Development of research skills and learning to steer the research so that it is relevant to the self-directed creative work.
Professional communication	Development and encouragement of communication skills occurs during workshop-based activity and during group tutorials and seminars
Real world sense	Printmaking engages with craftsmanship and the making of material mass-produced products. Students are invited to consider the quality and function of their work in this context.
Reflection	Generally encouraged to reflect upon the material facts of printmaking and how these can be used to further their own creative enquiry. Observing others in the workshop scenario encourages students to examine what they themselves are doing and make changes to improve their work.
Subject Specific Skills	Development of specific skills of printmaking

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4