8 - 9 March 2025, Introduction to Print - Linocut and Drypoint, with Dr Fenja T Ringl

Learn printmaking as a medium for art inspired by our beautiful local flora and ecosystems. Explore and capture the fascinating textures and patterns of leaves and grasses in this two-day introductory workshop.

Details

• Date: 8 - 9 March 2025
• Days/Times: Saturday/Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

About the course/workshop

Design and create hand pulled prints inspired by fresh or dried plant specimens or from your existing drawings and photographs. The course introduces you to two types of printmaking techniques – drypoint (intaglio) and linocut (relief) – through which to express the various intricate forms and patterns of plants. You will learn about each technique’s possibilities; plate design and creation; printing methods; and tool and equipment choices. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with recycled household materials as printing plates. At the end of the class you can expect to have produced several unique botanical prints on professional printmaking paper using both hand burnishing and an etching press.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn how to develop and create printed images using positive and negative ‘space’ for mark-making through two different printmaking techniques. 
  Drypoint skills from concept to finished print: develop a design suitable for intaglio printing (where ink is pushed into gouges engraved into the surface of the plate and is then transferred to paper through pressure), engrave the design into a clear plastic plate with consideration to line weights and shading, ink and wipe the plate, print onto paper using a press. Experiment with techniques on various plate materials.
  
• Linocut skills from concept to finished print: develop a design suitable for relief printing (where ink is rolled onto the raised surface while ‘white’ spaces are cut away), transfer an image to a Japanese vinyl plate, carve the design into the plate, ink the plate, print onto paper by hand and/or with a press.
  
• Gain knowledge of the materials and equipment used with linocut and drypoint printmaking techniques.
  
• Gain in-depth experience of the printmaking process through the focused in-person study of botanical specimens, and through the translation of their characteristics to two different printmaking techniques. 
  
  

Practical sessions

The workshop is dedicated to practical printmaking experience, with short intervals for technique introductions and demonstrations. The workshop includes access to the NatureArt Lab specimen collection.

Prerequisite/level:  This workshop requires no previous experience. Suitable for all students 16+ from beginners through to intermediate students who wish to develop their printing skills.

Materials: This workshop is a combination of supplied materials and BYO materials.  The materials provided have been factored into the course cost (approximately $30 worth of consumables).  The remaining items required are easily acquired and inexpensive and the list will be sent to students upon enrolment.  Please check your junk and spam inboxes so you don't miss our emails.

Class Size:  The class size is strictly limited to 10 students.  

Administration: There is free parking available onsite as well as a Cafe located a short walk away.  All students are requested to bring their own drinks/beverages (or purchase from the shop).

About the tutor

Dr Fenja T. Ringl is a Canberra-based printmaker with a passion for nature-influenced art that reflects Australia’s unique ecological and cultural environments. With a professional background in archaeology, palaeo-ecology and science communication, Fenja draws inspiration from years of travelling and working across Australia’s diverse landscapes. Fenja initially explored printmaking as a way of interpreting the natural world while on fieldwork many years ago, and has since developed her passion into a full-time printmaking occupation/obsession.

Please contact us if you have any questions at: info@natureartlab.com.au 

Image Credit:  by Dr. Fenja T. Ringl