Printmaking Courses
PRINT 2711-01
ART OF THE MEZZOTINT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Expanding on the fundamentals of Intaglio, this course will explore the Mezzotint technique that was developed in the mid- seventeenth century. This technique is unique because it achieves tonality by roughening a metal plate with thousands of little dots made by a metal tool with small teeth, called a "rocker". The plate will print with a strong and even velvety black. At this point, the burs created by the rocker are then scraped and burnished away to create arrange of tonality. Students will learn how to rock a plate, develop their drawings, transfer their designs on a copper plate, use a rocker, sharpen a rocker and printing methods. Mixed Media etching methods with mezzotint images will be explored as additional mark making possibilities and color layering. Emphasis will be placed on sound technical execution, image making, and the development of students’ personal artistic language. Technical demonstrations, individual and group critiques will be used throughout the semester to encourage students’ artistic practice. Let’s “Rock” and “Roll”!
Estimated Cost of Materials: $120.00
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
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.
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 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
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4610-01
SCREEN PRINT
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
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
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 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.
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 463G-01
GRADUATE PRINTMAKING III: 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.
Major Requirement | MFA Printmaking
PRINT 4640-01
LETTERPRESS PRINTING ON THE VANDERCOOK PROOF PRESS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce students to contemporary letterpress printing. While keeping the broad historical role of letterpress printing in mind, the course will allow students to use the various incarnations of letterpress printing to further their own work. The focus of the course will be learning to print, and print well, how to troubleshoot on the Vandercook proof press, and exploring how the different approaches, processes, papers, and techniques effect and direct the finished work. The course will begin with an overview of letterpress printing history and its relation to the evolution of typography, and its major impact on, and reaction to, societal change. We will first focus on setting and printing from handset type, and more traditional image making techniques (read: Linocuts!), and then introduce digital images through the use of polymer plates. Once the basics of the process have been covered, the focus will be on students using the techniques and processes to further their own work, and the creation of a final project using any of the techniques as appropriate to the piece.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
PRINT 4645-01
PAPERMAKING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Make you own paper for printing or three-dimensional constructions in this hand on experimental studio course in making paper. Curriculum will include: paper specifications, basic sheet formation, Japanese Plant fibers, recycled materials, paper modules and screens, along with paper structures for installation based work.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $175.00
Elective
PRINT 4648-01
JUNIOR PRINT WORKSHOP: SEMINAR/CRITIQUE :FALL
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course primarily involves the search for a personal, idiosyncratic visual statement. Juniors will refine technical application, engage in experimentation and study historical/contemporary artists and movements as the course progresses from scheduled project orientation to more independent bodies of work involving printmaking and its combinations with other mediums. Installation and presentation of work created will be analyzed as a critical component. This course will encompass oral discussion and presentations. Critiques will be frequent, in individual and group format including a group mid-term critique and end of semester critique that includes an invited, guest critic. In addition to the visual component of the course, instruction in seminar form will comprise visual artist professional practice methods that involve resume, cover letter, and employment application. Presentation of work in gallery, museum and professional interaction formats will also be part of the course.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4650-01
RELIEF I PROJECTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This class will utilize relief as a means of developing personal imagery. Wood engraving, reduction and multi-block techniques shown. The responsibility of direction, and problem solving will shift to the student as initial assignments proceed into more independent projects. Individual critiques will occur throughout the term, at mid-term and final week.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
This course is a requirement for Sophomore Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4651-01
SENIOR PRINT WORKSHOP: CRITIQUE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course provides the printmaking major the opportunity to work closely with Printmaking faculty on a concentrated and advanced basis beyond study in a print elective course. Focus on the development of printmaking related work prior to the Degree Project, relying primarily on individual and group critiques, will culminate in the Degree Project Proposal-foundation for both the Written Thesis and Degree Project body of work that is the focus of Spring Semester for senior printmakers.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00
Open to Senior Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking
PRINT 4654-01
ADVANCED RELIEF
SECTION DESCRIPTION
PRINT 726G-01
GRADUATE PRINT PROJECTS I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Graduate Print I will focus on the notion that Printmaking (and its constituent processes/techniques) are a hub within the visual arts. Students will experiment with a multitude of print processes that branch from drawing (a logical creative starting-point between Printmaking and Painting), and form extensions into the mediums of painting, sculpture, installation, and even video. Processes covered will include; drawing fluid/screen filler, screen monotype, image transfer, drypoint intaglio, and various other forms of monoprint. Assignments will require experimentation with each new technique and projects will require the individual exploration of these techniques and application to each students' personal studio practice. Demonstrations, presentations, and group/individual critiques will supplement all work time.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Open to Graduate Printmaking Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Printmaking