Experimental Japanese vinyl printing with Wuon-Gean Ho

Ref: SLW31338

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About this course

Japanese vinyl for printmaking is a smooth and beautiful material to work with. Explore experimental carving and inking in order to achieve a range of colourful relief, viscosity and intaglio prints.

Course Description

Japanese vinyl for printmaking is similar to traditional linoleum. It is a smooth surface to draw upon and carve. It can be worked boldly and cut deeply, yet also holds a fine strong line. During this course, explore experimental carving and inking using Japanese vinyl in order to make a range of colourful and experimental prints.

You will be introduced to the tools and materials and have a chance to see what other experimental prints have been made. You will work with Japanese vinyl as a relief print (where the ink sits on the surface of the block). The focus will be on broadening your range of mark-making at the carving and printing stage, and exploring quick and beautiful ways of developing half tones on the surface of the blocks.

You will then work with the material as an intaglio print (where the ink sits in the grooves of the block) and learn a way of floating multiple layers of colour on the same block: this is called viscosity printing. The transparent layers of colour will combine to make stunning effects.

You will also work with reduction printing, learning how to make a multi-coloured image with this technique that was popularised by Picasso. It’s a chance to enjoy making fluid marks and develop a care-free attitude to printmaking.

The stunning setting of West Dean may inspire you to develop works that respond to the house and gardens. By the end of the course, you will have learned various ways of using Japanese vinyl and have made lots of colourful works.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the college will supply most of the materials, including 4 Japanese vinyl blocks, relief inks in yellow, red, green, blue and black, reducing medium, intaglio inks in red, blue and black, extender, Hosho paper, Somerset paper 250gsm, tracing paper, newsprint, rags, scrim and a set of cutters.

What students need to bring

  • Some Sharpies, pencils and coloured pencils
  • Old credit cards or store cards, combs
  • An apron

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A good variety of art materials, including extra Somerset 250gsm printing paper, tracing paper and Hosho paper, should you need it

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Tutors

Wuon-Gean Ho

Wuon-Gean Ho is an award-winning artist printmaker who was born in Oxford and now lives in London. She studied the art of Japanese woodblock printing in Japan. She makes prints, books and animations, and her work is in the collection of the V&A and British Museum.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.