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 and linoleum blocks and oil-based, non-toxic, water-soluble inks, we will examine different approaches to mark-making: from graphic and angular to painterly and gestural. We will cover color mixing, experimenting with transparencies, 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.
Printing on the Vandercook presses will entail learning basic lock-up techniques, inking, paper registration and cleaning/press care.
Additional areas of experimentation may include using stencils, layering color and a variety of monotype techniques and embossment. Introduction to printing with wood type will also be an option, if students demonstrate the interest and alacrity.
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
Wood/Linoleum Carving: Learn sharpening and care of tools; Learn wood and linoleum block carving methods
Printmaking Papers: learn about the wide variety of substrates available and best practices
Printmaking: Learn image preparation and transfer methods; Learn color-mixing and experiment with transparencies; Learn how to print in multiple-colors; Learn to produce multiples/editions; Learn hand-inking and rolling techniques; Learn how to print in multiple-colors; Learn to produce multiples/editions; Learn hand-inking and rolling techniques
Printing on Vandercook Proofing Presses: Learn basic lock-up techniques, inking, paper registration and cleaning/press care.
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: Once a year
Categories: 2000 , All courses , Fully In-Person , Printmaking , Second Seven Week , Two Credit
Tags: hand-printing , ink , linocut Vandercook , press , printmaking , prints , relief , woodcut