This is a hugely fun course that provides the perfect opportunity to learn linocut relief printmaking and, at the same time, becomes a collaborative project that ends in the creation of a book! This book is tied to the idea of “Heads and Tails” – each student carves both a Head and a Tail which are then printed on separate pages and exchanged amongst the students. The multiple Head-and-Tail combinations – humans, mammals, sea creatures, insects, fantasy species, the quirkier the better! – are matched together and evolve into a wonderful book.
We start with our first plate: a geometric pattern to practice mark making, white and blackline carving, and printing – this plate becomes the BACK cover. Then each student designs and prints three plates: a HEAD and a TAIL image and their own FRONT cover. Each student prints their Head and Tail images according to the number of students in the class; prints will then be shared and exchanged. Each student then pairs up the prints according to the sequence and design they desire. We finish by binding the final choice of creatures into a book, unique for each student. This is a ZOOM class and ALL MATERIALS are provided for those who can pick up a supply kit in State College. [Anyone else who would like to participate will need to purchase their own materials; a detailed supply list is available]. In this way, you will have your tools with you throughout the course and can practice and work on your plates between classes as well as during our weekly sessions.