Introduction to Printmaking

ARTS 1710 Introduction to Printmaking

This course provides a hands-on experience for exploring basic printmaking processes, including relief, intaglio, lithography and monotype processes, as well as investigating materials, tools, techniques, curation processes, and print shop safety. Emphasis is given to examine individual concepts through various printmaking mediums. Introduction to Printmaking is a prerequisite course for the intermediate and advanced printmaking courses. Drawing I is the prerequisite course for the Introduction to Printmaking.

Relief Printing

ARTS 336 Relief Printmaking
ARTS 436 Relief Printmaking
ARTS 536 Graduate Relief Printmaking

Relief printing is the oldest print medium. It is a reductive process in which the non-image areas of a matrix, most often wood or linoleum, are carved away. The remaining flat, raised surfaces constitute the image area and receive the ink that is ultimately transferred to paper under pressure. Most people are familiar with some form of relief printing – a common example would be a rubber stamp, though one could even think of fingerprints as tiny relief prints.

Intaglio

ARTS 337 Intaglio Printmaking I
ARTS 437 Intaglio Printmaking II
ARTS 537 Graduate Intaglio

Intaglio is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of printmaking techniques, including drypoint, engraving, etching, aquatint, spit bite, mezzotint, and photopolymer printing. In intaglio processes, the matrix, most commonly a metal plate, is gouged either manually (with hand tools) or chemically (using a corrosive material). Unlike in relief printing where the ink sits on the raised surface of the matrix, the ink comprising the image of an intaglio print sits within the gouged or recessed areas of the plate and the flat surface is wiped clean. The intense pressure of a printing press forces the dampened paper into the recessed marks, releasing the image from the matrix.

Lithography Printing

ARTS 338 Lithography
ARTS 438 Advanced Lithography
ARTS 538 Graduate Lithography

Lithography is a planographic printmaking technique meaning that the surface of either the limestone or aluminum matrix used remains completely flat. Unlike in relief and intaglio, where a change in the elevation of the matrix determines where the ink goes, in lithography, this separation between image and non-image areas is achieved by chemically altering the surface based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. Lithography is one of the most direct and autographic printmaking techniques, allowing artists to develop their imagery very much as they would in a drawing or painting.

Serigraphy

ARTS 339 Serigraphy
ARTS 439 Serigraphy
ARTS 539 Graduate

Serigraphy, also known as screen-print or silkscreen, was developed in the past century making it the newest of the four main print techniques taught at UNM, although its basic origins are ancient. Serigraphy essentially involves making a stencil, which humans have done for thousands of years. Today, serigraphy is not only used to create art on paper but is perhaps most commonly employed in the creation of imagery on textiles. Almost all of the T-shirts and patterned fabrics that we own and see every day are created using serigraphy.

Advanced and Graduate Printmaking

ARTS 474 Advanced Printmaking
ARTS 574 Graduate Printmaking

This is a combined studio and seminar course. While students can be a specialist of one or two printmaking mediums, they will challenge themselves by combining multiple printmaking techniques, installation, or other art mediums. The development of personalized direction and giving/receiving critiques are emphasized. The discussion, reading materials, and exploration of various contemporary printmaking techniques and concepts are given. Students will also prepare to complete their portfolio, artist talk, demonstration, CV writing, and artist business.

Collaborative Lithography