Relief Printing using Card and Collograph with Alfons Bytautus

Relief printmaking was the very earliest printing technique. The image is carved or cut out of a surface (most often wood or lino), creating a printing matrix that is similar to a rubber stamp. Or think potato print! This 2-day workshop will focus on using card to create the printing block by cutting into the surface. Unlike wood cut or lino this medium is softer and easier to cut. We will demonstrate how to print the block by hand and on the press. Although the technique is essentially simple and the skills easy to acquire, you will be able to produce high quality prints to a professional standard. We will also explore the mark making possible with collage on the relief block (collograph). This is an excellent simple technique to use at home for prints, greetings cards, artists books, etc.Alfons Bytautas is a painter & printmaker. Born in Scotland, he is now based in Newcastle upon Tyne. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art before going to Paris to study at Atelier 17, the studio of the esteemed Modernist printmaker Stanley William Hayter. Until 2009, Bytautas was Master Printmaker at Edinburgh Printmakers' Workshop, where he was instrumental in developing and promoting innovative print techniques. He has directed numerous print workshop sessions throughout the UK and in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain & Japan. He is co-director of Incubate Experimental Printmaking studio.Workshop starts 9.45 am and finishes by 4.00 pm both days.
Tea and coffee are supplied and lunch is available to buy from the cafe on Saturday. On Sunday please bring your own lunch in as the cafe is closed.