Reduction Woodcut Printmaking (4-week)

Woodcut is one of the oldest forms of printmaking, emerging as early as the 8th century in Japan to disseminate texts, and taking hold in Western art in the 1500’s as a method of image creation and reproduction. The time-honored technique is a relief process where a design is cut into a wooden block’s surface with hand carving tools. The raised areas that remain after the block has been cut are inked and printed, while the recessed areas that are cut away will remain blank. 

Once the first layer of a design is carved and printed the block is "reduced" by continuing to carve away more of the image, to print the second color. This process continues, layer by layer, until the image is fully printed and the block can no longer be used again. Unlike most other print processes, the edition number is set by the artist in advance, and can’t be increased after the first layer is printed, making woodcut prints unique and valuable. 

The group will learn the technique of reduction printing and create a small edition of multi-colored prints, sized around 8”x10”. Students will design and carve out an image layer by layer, hand printing to create an advanced level work of art.

Ideal for those with drawing, carving or printmaking experience.