Eleven members participated in our first print swap for 2019. Methods included copper- sulphate etching, letterpress, linocut, photopolymer, tetra-pack drypoint, and woodcut.
Our next swap is an interstate exchange with our friends at Waringah Printmakers Studio, Sydney. RSVPs have now closed. Prints are due 6th July 2019!
Our club recently acquired an Adana Letterpress. Although traditionally used for letterpress type, it can also be used for other relief and intaglio methods. Participants learned how to secure the chase in the type bed, ink-up their printing disc, and how to position their paper to produce an edition. Participants also learned some tips and tricks for addressing ‘patchy printing’ by ‘packing’ the back of the plate to ensure all areas touching the rollers and paper are an even height. Our thanks to Ute for running a demonstration for all attendees on how to use this versatile piece of equipment!
Our thanks also to the exhibiting artists at TAS, Sarah Reilly and Dianne Spanwick, who provided such a beautiful background for so many of these photos. Their exhibition ‘Wold Within Worlds’ is on show currently until the 26th May.
For those who missed out, here is a short video on Youtube which covers the basics:
Happy Printmaking!
As a volunteer lead group, the Saturday Printmakers relies heavily on the shared knowledge, skills and time of its member base. We are currently seeking someone to fill the role of secretary for the club, which may involve completion of the below or similar duties:
It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to organise our events throughout the year. Any contribution you can make toward the Saturday Printmakers continued growth, would be fantastic!
Just a quick reminder about our two upcoming workshops for 2019. ‘Tool Sharpening’ with Carol Russell (13th July) & ‘Contemporary Woodblock’ with Tasmanian artist, Michael Schlitz (10th – 11th August). Limited spaces available- there are a few spots left in each workshop! Contact satprintmakers@yahoo.com.au for bookings.
PS. This is the first time we have run a tool sharpening workshop. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who value their tools and want them to last the distance!
Just a quick reminder the Saturday Printmakers will be meeting at the Toowoomba Art Society at 10am, tomorrow (Saturday 11th May)! The planned structure for tomorrow is as follows:
Ute will be running a demonstration on printing photopoylmer plates on an Adana Letterpress. Although traditionally used for letterpress type, its a versatile press that can be used for other printmaking techniques alone or in combination with type. Adanas are also a more affordable option for people wanting to buy their first press and/or who have spatial constraints and need something compact and portable.
Printmakers who RSVP’d for our first print swap for 2019 are also required to deliver their prints tomorrow. We look forward to seeing another creative and diverse set of prints!
See details below on how to RSVP! First Coat Studios is located at 6 Laurel Street, Toowoomba (near our usual haunt at Godsall St):
One of our club’s founding members recently attended the International Symposium on Safer Printmaking in Kanazawa, Japan. The ethos of the conference aligns with our club’s aim to continue moving toward environmentally friendly and sustainable printmaking practices. Thank you to Ute for providing the below overview of the event.
‘This conference contained both a theoretical side and practical side. Talks and panel discussion were held at 21st Century Museum for Contemporary Arts in Kanazawa. The demonstrations were held at the Kanazawa yawaka Sousaku no Mori, Centre for Crafts and Culture. The focus was on safer and more sustainable printmaking practices. Talks, exhibition, panel discussion, demonstrations were held in English and Japanese.
Talks included – ‘Nature and Chemistry, Tradition and Innovation, Wellbeing and Sickness in Printmaking’, by Friedhard Kiekeben. Liz Chalfin spoke about ‘Innovation in community: the Zea Mays printmaking model’. Belgian Marnix Everaert challenged the debate about “Non-toxic: sense or nonsense?” “The status and issues of printmaking education in Japan” discussed by Matoto Doi and Shichio Minato. While Atsuhiko Musashi discussed the introduction of the ‘Environment Management System’, which traps water and checks the levels of solvents at the university where he works.
The Kanazawa yawaka Sousaku no Mori, Centre for Crafts and Culture held an exhibition of prints made with by non-toxic methods as well as the practical demonstrations. These included – ‘The basics’ (etching on copper with ferric chloride and home made etching grounds) demonstrated by Marnix Evereart. Friedhard Kiekeben demonstrated the ‘Saline Sulphate Etch’ technique. The Saturday Printmakers refer to this as copper sulphate etching on aluminium technique. Liz Chalfin demonstrated ‘Non-Dark room Photo Etching’. Using the pronto plate to transfer a photograph onto the aluminium plate for the saline etch. Atsuhiko Musashi demonstrated ‘The photopolymer print, using photo sensitive resin plates’. We call this photopolymer plate etching. Interestingly, Musashi makes and prints his own raster film.
Even though, the Non-Dark room Photo Etching was the only new technique for me, I found seeing the other techniques being done was reassuring. Most of these techniques I first learnt from following books or articles in an experimental self-teaching mode. Confirmation that I am doing this right was refreshing. In the case of the Saline Sulphate Etch being slack and not feathering is actually the way it is done, so I don’t need to feel naughty any more. Overall the conversations I was able to have with other liked minded non-toxic printmaker was worth the trip alone. Everything else was an added bonus. I will be going to the next one in two year’s time.’
For further information on the conference please access their website: https://saferprintmaking.wixsite.com/kanazawa2019/who
The Saturday Printmakers 