Printmaking Courses
PRINT 2710-101
PRINTING DISCARD AND THE NATURAL: IMPRESSIONS OF OUR ECOSYSTEMS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course will focus on using the process of printmaking to make impressions out of what can be found in our immediate surroundings. What kind of prints would the pile of leaves on the side of the road make? Or the wrapper from the chocolate you just ate? Through this class, we will expand the world of printmaking through the everyday, and what the spaces we exist in have to offer. Using various print techniques such as collograph, etching, relief, and monotype, students will be challenged to find their matrices out in the world, rather than creating them out of purchased materials. Through printing with the things we find, students will be invited to reflect and engage with questions about ecology, discard studies and our relationship to place and other life forms. The course is designed to encourage creative reuse and repurpose with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and our relationship to the environment. Since part of the class will be about collecting, students will be taking walks around campus and other parts of the city to collect materials. This experimental class is designed for both experienced printmakers and beginners. It will involve various printing demos and experimentation that invite students to create, innovate and problem solve together.
Elective
PRINT 3209-01
THE SCULPTURAL PRINT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The Sculptural Print looks to the multiple as a material (rather than a form) for the construction of one-of-a-kind works. The primary technical focuses will be in photo-emulsion based screenprinting, polymer-plate etching/intaglio, and basic relief printing. Students will be asked to design unique image vocabularies, transform and translate them to various matrices, and then to alter, manipulate, reimagine, and finally to build structural pieces using the printed matter. In the first half of the term, class sessions will begin with a presentation of artist precedents and technical demonstrations. In the second half, classes will still begin with a short presentation, and will then focus largely on in-progress critique and technical troubleshooting/consultation. Works completed for midterm will be based on provided prompts with detailed parameters and require students to work in series and at a large-scale. The final will be fully self-directed.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Please contact the instructor for permission to register. Preference is given to Junior, Senior or Graduate Students.
Elective
PRINT 3215-01
INTAGLIO: ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Intaglio: Alternative Practices builds bridges from experience in the medium of intaglio by presenting advanced and innovative platemaking and printing processes using copper, plexiglass, and polymer plate types. Coursework will cover topics such as: custom stop-outs, extended etches, ink interfacing, toner transfers, and extensions into the digital realm utilizing the Benson Hall “Tech Lab” resources. Demonstrations and assignments will focus on the virtues of plating material, not solely as printable matrices, or carriers of transferrable visual information, but also as finished objects. The semester will be driven by demonstration, guided in-class work, independent work focused on experimentation, and conversation geared toward alternatives to substrate (paper), matrix (copper, polymer, plexi), and medium (ink). The semester will culminate in a self-directed final project that requires students to generate a grouping of works that successfully combine a selection of the processes covered which includes a substantial set of proofs, studies, plating tests, and pertinent supplementary visual/technical research.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Open to Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students.
Elective
PRINT 4522-01
PRINT INSTALLATION AND CONTEMPORARY PRINT MEDIA
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Printmaking's inclusive nature allows for many different approaches and opportunities. Motivated by historic, sociological, political and media driven revolutions, printmaking has undergone significant shifts throughout history. The current world of image proliferation and rapid technological innovations have pushed the traditional boundaries of printmaking even further in the contemporary art world. Many of today's artists are creating large-scale installations utilizing the printed multiple in many distinctive ways. Through process and scale, students will examine the interrelated nature of form, multiples, expression, and meaning. The course will explore permanent, temporary and site-specific installation based art.
Prerequisite: Printmaking experience required.
Elective
PRINT 4523-01
PRINTMAKING AND THE POLITICS OF PROTEST
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Printmaking and The Politics of Protest examines the role of prints and printed matter in
the context of political protest, the power of images, and how artists as well as non-
artists have asserted and supported social justice and sustainability issues through art.
While exploring the historical and structural basis of inequality, students will learn
different theoretical paradigms and techniques for visual analysis in order to understand
how visual media can inscribe and dismantle power and be a catalyst for change while
mediating numerous social, economic, cultural and political differences. More
importantly students will form recognition of their positions in an increasingly pluralistic
world while fostering an understanding of social and cultural differences. This will be
investigated through some of the following methods: lectures, exhibitions, guest
lectures, video, historical art and media, group research initiatives, and the discussion of
and creation of images that define and explore issues impacting our lives.
Elective
PRINT 4524-01
TRANSFORMATIVE IMAGES: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Printmaking is a unique way to make images and to think about the construction of images. It emphasizes thinking in layers and processes that value indirect and highly mediated production.
This course is based in the intaglio studio and will cover a wide range of traditional printmaking techniques such as Intaglio, Collagraph, Stencil, and Relief, as well as non-traditional techniques utilizing methods of Monoprints, Monotypes, and Mixed media. Various methods of creating an image on metal plate, linoleum, mat board, and plexiglass will be covered. While learning the proper preparation for images and competent use of the equipment, the course will focus on presenting important visual and conceptual problems relevant to field of printmaking, as well as visual culture. Once the basic language of the rich history of printmaking is explored and understood, students will be prompted to push the boundaries of the processes while creating new ways a print is made, explored, and considered.
ELECTIVE
PRINT 4606-01
INTAGLIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Technical fundamentals related to each of the basic intaglio processes will be demonstrated throughout the semester. Traditional and contemporary intaglio applications will also be presented and experimentation will be encouraged. A series of monotypes, small editions in each process and a larger technical combination plate will comprise the final portfolio assignment. Imagery, concept and content will represent a primary course element as technical facility is mastered. Individual critiques will be the standard throughout and two group critiques at the midpoint and end of the semester will also be scheduled.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4606-01
INTAGLIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Technical fundamentals related to each of the basic intaglio processes will be demonstrated throughout the semester. Traditional and contemporary intaglio applications will also be presented and experimentation will be encouraged. A series of monotypes, small editions in each process and a larger technical combination plate will comprise the final portfolio assignment. Imagery, concept and content will represent a primary course element as technical facility is mastered. Individual critiques will be the standard throughout and two group critiques at the midpoint and end of the semester will also be scheduled.
Estimated Materials Cost: $100.00
This course is not available to Sophomore Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4608-01
LITHOGRAPHY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course offers basic black and white lithographic technical applications on lithostone and lithoplate to those students who are at the beginning level. Contemporary techniques, and technical short-cuts will elaborate on traditional processing. Experimentation is encouraged throughout the semester while emphasis is placed on the development of personally innovative imagery and concept. Informal group and individual critiques are conducted in conjunction with group mid-semester and final critiques. A professionally portfolio of assigned prints is due at the end of the course. Course may be repeated for credit.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Open to Sophomore Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4608-101
LITHOGRAPHY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course offers basic black and white lithographic technical applications on lithostone and lithoplate to those students who are at the beginning level. Contemporary techniques, and technical short-cuts will elaborate on traditional processing. Experimentation is encouraged throughout the semester while emphasis is placed on the development of personally innovative imagery and concept. Informal group and individual critiques are conducted in conjunction with group mid-semester and final critiques. A professionally portfolio of assigned prints is due at the end of the course.
Course may be repeated for credit.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
PRINT 4610-01
WATERBASE SILKSCREEN I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students will stretch their own screens and will be introduced to a wide range of stencil techniques (cut film, paper stencil, crayon and glue, tusche and glue, and photo). Students are urged to experiment with stencil and printing techniques to produce a portfolio of editioned prints.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $175.00
Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4610-01
WATERBASE SILKSCREEN I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students will stretch their own screens and will be introduced to a wide range of stencil techniques (cut film, paper stencil, crayon and glue, tusche and glue, and photo). Students are urged to experiment with stencil and printing techniques to produce a portfolio of editioned prints.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $175.00
Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior Non-major Students or Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4610-101
WATERBASE SILKSCREEN I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students will stretch their own screens and will be introduced to a wide range of stencil techniques (cut film, paper stencil, crayon and glue, tusche and glue, and photo). Students are urged to experiment with stencil and printing techniques to produce a portfolio of editioned prints.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $175.00
Elective
PRINT 4611-01
SILKSCREEN: LARGE SCREEN PRINT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is intended to build on a basic Screen print foundation. Beginning with fine tuning basic stencil making and registration and printing techniques. The course will move on to working big. It's what screen printing can do more efficiently and in a lower cost-effective way than any other traditional printmaking technique. The class will cover printing with a one arm squeegee designed for printing large stencils and on a 10-foot fabric/paper printing table made to print along lengths of paper or fabric, joining each impression to the previous one to create continuous surfaces. Methods for producing handmade stencils to making the matrix from fine dot digitally made positives will be demonstrated and taught. Screen printing on substrates from fabrics, rolled paper, rag sheets and other surfaces will be explored. Images can involve repeated pattern, be large scale image oriented, or tiled depending on each student's individual content issues and image needs. In the second half of the semester the students will embark on a research project aimed at; producing a large-scale print or series of large scale prints, printed fabric yardage, rolled wallpaper, installation. A proposal due at mid semester will serve as a starting point for the project it should speak to; focus and direction, content and form, the techniques and strategies planned, how will the stencils be made; handmade photo, computer generated half tones or line, what materials, tools will you use what will you print on. What artist influence the work? What do you look to and at for inspiration?
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Elective
PRINT 4615-01
WORKSHOP: LIGHT TO INK
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The use of light-based print processes is ubiquitous in contemporary printmaking. Light to Ink will lay a foundation of knowledge within the printmaking medium for using light as a part of the image-making process. The class is designed to introduce students to the basics of Printmaking using either hand made, digital or photo-made matrixes. The class will learn to make prints using the traditional print methods of intaglio, lithography and screenprint and build a base of information about the production of the film transparencies from which the matrix is made. Students will be taught the skills necessary to take the photo, computer, or handmade image from a one or a series of positive transparencies to a finished print. From Light to Ink is a starting point for growth and exploration in photo printmaking and an introduction to printing in intaglio, lithography and screenprint. No prior knowledge of printmaking is required. This class is most appropriate for sophomores, juniors and first semester seniors.
Open to Junior, Senior or Graduate Painting Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4618-01
COLOR LITHOGRAPHY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Building on the fundamentals of lithography this course will explore the technical, aesthetic and conceptual aspects of colour printing. Using ball grained aluminum plates and photolithography plates students will develop their imagery and concepts. Students will be encouraged to innovate and experiment with colour and image making techniques in conjunction with craft and technical mastery. Technical demonstrations, individual and group critiques will be used throughout the semester to encourage students' artistic practice. Hand drawn and digitally generated films for photo litho plates and traditional drawing on ball grained plates will be demonstrated among other techniques.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $75.00
Open to Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 461G-01
GRADUATE PRINTMAKING I: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND PRACTICE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students in the graduate printmaking program will utilize graduate level research and scholarship as an impetus for growth within studio practice. Investigation into historical cycles of printmaking will be fostered through assigned texts and exploration of primary resources available at RISD, especially The RISD Museum. A dialogue stemming from intensive studio work will be developed in varied formats by faculty, visiting artists and peers throughout the semester.
Open to Graduate Painting Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Printmaking
PRINT 4622-01
SENIOR PRINT WORKSHOP: SEMINAR
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course offers a glimpse into the realities of pursuing a professional career in printmaking (and the fine arts). Various aspects of developing and maintaining a studio career will be covered including: CV, artist statements, and the effective preparation of competitive applications of all forms. Career Services serves as an important resource. Students will be expected to produce new work and related scholarship consistently, and frequently during the course of the term, with the goal of submitting the following prior to receipt of final grades: full and distributable CV, artist statement, short-form artist statement abstract, presentation of past/present/future work, a business card design ready for print, completed artist interview (with colleague from class), a well documented, hi-resolution, and fully-edited for submission, portfolio of at least 15, and up to 20 images of recent work, which includes detail and installation views, and a fully-detailed image list/inventory. During the course of the class students will also prep mock applications to at least 2 of the following (graduate school, artist residency, grant funding, etc.), and at least 1 of these applications will be brought to finalization and submitted to the institution of choice. Course will include in-progress critiques of recent work, group discussions, lectures, and presentations.
Open to Senior Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4623-01
JUNIOR PRINT WORKSHOP SEMINAR/CRITIQUE: SPRING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course sustains the search for personal, idiosyncratic visual direction. Printmaking applications are refined, experimentation is engaged and study incorporates group discussion, readings and critical writing related to texts provided and visits to libraries, museums and galleries. In addition, students will update the resume created during the previous semester, an artist statement will be written, cover letters and employment/grant applications will be addressed at regular intervals throughout the semester. Installation and presentation of work created will be analyzed as a critical component. At the end of the semester, students will discuss their current work in oral/powerpoint format as it relates to personal research of historical and contemporary art/artists. Critiques, group and individual will occur each week and an outside guest critic will be engaged for mid-semester and the final critiques.
Open to Junior Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4624-01
SINGLE EDITION/PORTFOLIO PROJECT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to present various printmaking processes to students new and more experienced; majors and non-majors. In group or individually, beginners will learn and advanced students will review print techniques that span silkscreen, intaglio, photo/digital, and/or their printed combinations, e.g., students choose the print technique(s) they wish to be the focus of their final, printed edition. The course objective concentrates on visualizing a distinct, image, while respecting each printmaking discipline(s), as it melds medium, process and concept. Drawings, studies and printed proofs will be initially created to learn, explore and plan strategies for the edition. The editioned print can be either experimental or more traditional. The course will culminate in a professionally presented printed edition that will be kept by the artist numbering enough prints to accommodate a class print exchange. This course may be repeated for credit.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective