Vandercook Proofing Presses were once a vital aspect of the printing industry and have been adopted widely by artists for letterpress printing and book arts. Bennington College is fortunate to possess three Vandercooks, housed in the Word and Image Lab.
Using type-high plywood blocks, oil-based and water-soluble inks, we will examine different approaches to mark-making: from graphic and angular to painterly and gestural. We will cover color mixing, printing in multiple-colors and producing multiples/editions.
Students will learn image preparation and transfer methods, sharpening and care of tools, wood carving methods, ink and paper preparation, hand-inking and rolling techniques, printing on the Vandercook proofing press and by hand. Additional areas of experimentation may include using stencils, layering color and a variety of monotype techniques and embossment.
Experienced and beginning woodcutters/relief printmakers are welcome to join us.
Learning Outcomes:
Community Building - Learn to work on projects individually and with others in a shared workspace
Learn image preparation and transfer methods
Learn sharpening and care of tools
Learn wood and linoleum block carving methods
Learn ink and paper preparation
Learn color mixing
Learn how to print in multiple-colors
Learn to produce multiples/editions
Learn hand-inking and rolling techniques
Learn to print on the Vandercook proofing press and by hand
Learn to create and use hand-cut stencils
Learn basic chine-collé techniques, monotype printing techniques and embossment
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
W 2:10PM - 5:50PM (2nd seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Fully In-Person , Printmaking
Tags: hand-printing , ink , press , printmaking , prints , relief , Vandercook , woodcut