PRINTMAKINGPrintmaking is the process of creating duplicates of an image. The process involves creating a plate on which the image is drawn, carved, etched, built, or painted. The image is then transferred by inking the plate and pressing on to another surface.

HISTORY OF PRINTMAKING

Originally NOT an art form- just form of communication Prehistoric Era - Engravings found on stones, bones and cave walls. 2nd century AD- Chinese produced rubbings, as far back as the 2nd

century AD. Mid-late 8th century - Japanese made first authenticated prints,

wood-block rubbings of Buddhist charms Early 15th century - First woodcuts printed on paper (German

playing cards). First royal seals and stamps appeared in England for Henry VI.

Mid 15th century - Metal engravings introduced and became more refined.

Dürer- major influence on printmaking, famous for wood engravings and etching in Renaissance Europe.

Mid 1600’s – early 1700’s - Master woodcutter, Katsushika Hokusai, produced 35,000 drawings and prints

PRINTMAKING METHODS

Relief printingIntaglio printingPlanographic

Stencil

MORE ABOUT PRINTMAKING

http://www.eyeconart.net/history/printmaking.htm

RELIEF PRINTING

Relief printing is where a plate has multiple levels and the areas gouged or carved out remain uninked. Examples are: woodcut, linoleum block.

EXAMPLE OF RELIEF WOODCUTPRINT (The Wave by Hokusai)

Another woodcut relief print

Chuck Close – Thumbprint Portrait

Linoleum block relief print by Elizabeth Catlett

LINOLEUM BLOCK RELIEF PRINTby M.C. Escher

INTAGLIO PRINTING

Intaglio printing is where a plate has multiple levels and the areas gouged or carved out receive the ink and transfer it. (Opposite of relief printing). Examples are etchings, engravings, and block prints that are inked properly and run through a press.

INTAGLIO PRINT EXAMPLEBY Albrect Durer St. Jerome

PLANOGRAPHIC PRINTING

Process of printing where a detailed drawing may be completed on limestone. The process involves wax repelling ink. Prints what is on the surface of the plate. Lithography is an example.

LITHOGRAPHY PRINT EXAMPLE by M.C. Escher

LITHOGRAPHY PRINT EXAMPLE by Wayne Thiebaud

STENCIL PRINTING

A method of printing where open areas of a stencil or screen are printed. An example is silk screen printing. A separate screen is prepared for the printing of each color in a design. T-shirt designs are a common example of silk screen prints.

Example of Silk Screen Print

http://webexhibits.org/colorart/marilyns.html

STENCIL PRINT EXAMPLE

Adinkra

-Symbols for proverbs, sayings, attitudes, religious beliefs and social thoughts of some West African Societies. -Originated in 17th century in West Africa among Ashanti and Gyaman people of Ghana -War in 1818 between Kofi Adinkra and the Ashanti King because King Adinkra made a replica of the very symbolic and sacred Golden Stool, which enraged Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin. -War led to beheading of King Adinkra. -Decorated fabric that Adinkra wore in the last battle was taken by the Ashanti as a trophy.

Adinkra (cont.)

Symbols on the fabric took the name of the beheaded King - Adinkra.

Clothes adorned with Adinkra symbols were only worn by royalty and spiritual leaders during sacred ceremonies and rituals.

Root meaning of the term Adinkra is “farewell” Symbols worn on the mourner's clothing usually expressed qualities

attributed to the deceased. Printing adinkra motifs is presently among the highest valued hand-

printing and hand-embroidered works on cloth. Adinkra symbols have grown worldwide, inspiring works of art in

Jewelry, sculpture, interior decoration and design (including company logos).

Relief print – Adinkra cloth