Choosing a Printmaking Process

For the Graphic Art Basics class, we have a choice of 4 different printmaking processes. These are serigraphy, relief printing, lithography and intaglio. We didn't manage to speak to any of the tutors that run the classes yesterday but were able to get email addresses from Agnieszka. I intend to email a couple of them asking questions such as - how do you induct students on the process? do we need to bring any of our own materials? e.g. something flat to print on, what are the topics for this particular printmaking process?

I have done both serigraphy (screen printing) and relief printing (linocut) before and I enjoyed each process. My final outcomes also came out very well. Since I was first inducted at UCA for these processes, I haven't often gone back to try them out again. I did linocut for my Documentary final piece but haven't made screen prints again. Therefore, I could choose one of these and further my knowledge and skills of the printing process. However, this wouldn't be much of a challenge and one of the main reasons why I decided to study abroad is because I wanted to learn new ways of working that I can then bring into my illustrative practice as I go into my third year of study.

A relief print created at Graphics studio by USF Honor Student (University of South Florida)

Handmade serigraphy 3 colours on hand-crafted khadi paper 100% cotton, 320 gr, format: 30x42cm. Made by Yann Chatelin Poze

I researched the exact definitions of each print-making process to help me make my decision. Serigraphy is a stencil based printing process in which ink is forced through a fine screen and onto the paper beneath. The word 'serigraphy' differentiates the artistic application from the industrial use.  Relief printing is when a design or form is carved in relief on a block of linoleum. Lithography is a process of printing from a flat surface treated so as to repel the ink except where it is required for printing. A flat stone or metal plate is used on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance so that the ink will adhere to them, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent.
Intaglio is any printmaking technique in which the image is produced by incising into the printing plate - the incised line or area holds the ink and centres the image. It is the opposite of relief printing. The printing is done from ink that is below the surface of the plate. The design is cut, scratched or etched into the printing surface or plate which can be copper, zinc, aluminium, magnesium, plastic, or coated paper. I typed the name of each printmaking process into Tate and Britannia webpages.

http://www.tate.org.uk/

https://www.britannica.com/

I also watched some YouTube videos to help to inform my decision. I wasn't entirely sure how both lithography and intaglio were done so tutorial videos helped me to get a better picture. These videos were both created by The Museum of Modern Art so I know they are showcasing the traditional way of each of the printmaking processes. I imagine it would also be taught in this way to a beginner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUXDltQfqSA

Lithography final print 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRwWJyy24So

Intaglio final print 

Once I have emailed a few of the printmaking professors, I will have a better idea of which I would like to choose for this semester. I know that the workload so far is fairly large anyway because we have been given three separate projects for the following units - Poster Design, Digital Graphic Basics and Interdisciplinary Actions. However, there may be opportunities to crossover these classes and projects to make the workload more dedicated. I also think it would be a great opportunity to learn a new printmaking process. I enjoy printmaking so I don't think that I would find either lithography or intaglio too difficult to grasp once I have been inducted into the process.