VISA-A245-001

Book Arts / Letterpress

Location: MO 532 / Studio 5th floor Monroe Meeting times: T/R 2:00-4:45

Karoline Schleh, Instructor

Email: [email protected]

Course Description

This course will introduce the student to the essential concepts and techniques of letterpress printmaking as applied to fundamental book art formats and structures. Projects will introduce students to the basics of letterpress for the Vandercook proof press including hand , , composition, locking up, printing, and distribution. A variety of book arts formats will be covered ranging from broadsides to hand sewn and bound hardcover books.

Course Goals & Grading

Each project will introduce the student to a new technique will be accompanied by a concept to explore that process. Each project will be graded on the following elements:

*Participation (Includes critiques and ability to work collaboratively within the studio)

*Research

*Concept

*Technical Understanding

Students should be able to analyze and evaluate their own work and that of other students through the process of critique using terms and concepts unique to printmaking. Students should also understand the history of printmaking overall as a distinctive form of art production, while keeping in mind the exploration of how these theories and ideas can be used for personal expression within our contemporary culture.

Supply List

6” Speedball soft rubber brayer (or similar)

2” Speedball soft rubber brayer (or similar)

Yasutomo Bamboo Baren

Speedball 4131 Linoleum Cutter – 5 Assorted Lino Cutters (or similar) Student Wood Chisel Set - set of 12

3 Premium Mounted Linoleum Blocks – Fine, Flat Surface for Easy Carving, Smoky Tan or grey, 6 x 8 Inches (or similar)

2 pads of ​Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper 18”x24” (or similar)

1 pad of 18”Strathmore ​300 Series Printmaking Paper, 30 Sheets 120 gsm o​ r ​ 2 pads of 11”x14” 300 Series Printmaking Paper, 30 sheets 120 gsm (or equivalent) 1 pair of rubber dishwashing gloves

Pencil (for signing prints)

Combination lock (for grey lockers in hall)

Sketchbook (can be one used for multiple classes) Misc. old paint brushes

Cotton swabs

Roll of painter’s tape or drafting tape

Rags for clean up (old t-shirts etc.)

Lineco Bone paper folder (6”-12” or similar)

Bookbinding/ Linen Binding Tape - ⅜” x 60 yards (or similar)

Book Adhesive - Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) 18 oz bottle

Linen Thread - 50 yards

*Materials must be purchased before the second week of classes. Most of these supplies can be purchased locally at Mo’s Art Supply and David Art Supply. Dick Blick also has most of these materials, and orders can be placed through their website at dickblick.com. Supplies may be added to this list throughout the semester, if so, prior notice will be given. Personal projects requiring specialized materials also must be purchased by the student.

Text: A​ ll readings will be made available online via Blackboard. Please check daily.

Expectations ● Participate in all critiques and discussions. ● Expect to put as much (or more) out of class time than you do in class (sign in sheets will be posted.) ● Arrive to class on time with all required materials and ready to start. ● Complete all assignments by the due dates. ● Exercise safety with all the tools and equipment ● Leave the studio clean. This includes paper trash, cleaning tools etc. ● Be courteous. This includes no cell phone use in print studio/class and not bringing visitors to class sessions.

Attendance ● Attendance is mandatory. Because of the extensive technical information we will cover in this course it is essential that you are present and ready to work at the beginning of class.

● If for any reason you cannot attend class, make arrangements to turn any assignments during office hours (not during class time). Please email to schedule an appointment.

● Chronic lateness and/or absences will lead to a reduction in your grade. If you miss any class, it becomes your responsibility to acquire any information or materials that you have missed. You are allowed two (2) absences. Three late arrivals equal one absence. Your grade will be lowered a half letter grade for each additional unexcused absence.

● Excused absences are generally medical emergencies accompanied by a doctor's note. If you have a chronic medical condition that does not allow you to come to class on a regular basis, or have a family crisis please arrange a meeting with me during my office hours to discuss.

Health & Safety Please be careful. Think ahead about what you are doing and consider how to avoid any mishaps. The materials and equipment in this class are safe to use, but proper handling is very important. If you have any questions about any of the materials we will be using, there are Materials Safety Data Sheets in the shops. They are in a three ring binder marked M.S.D.S. which is kept with the first-aid supplies. I will be happy to address any questions or read through the M.S.D.S with you during office hours.

Shop Rules: ● Do not use facilities unless you are enrolled in the course and have special permission from the Instructor. ● Do not bring guests outside of class that are not enrolled in the course to use the facilities either. ● Never use equipment that has not been demonstrated to you by the Instructor. ● Report all accidents or equipment damage to the Instructor. ● Eye protection and protective gloves should be used when necessary, and mandatory in the etching room.In the printmaking studio respirator masks are recommended when dealing with rosin, and spray paints. ● Tie long hair back.

● Wear long pants.

● Wear closed toe shoes. No bare feet or sandals.

● Do not eat in the printmaking studio.

● Dispose of printers ink carefully. Fold inside of paper and do not leave sticky ink on the trash cans as it will spread.

● Clean up after yourself, leave no trace behind.

● Absolutely no inky finger prints anywhere, particularly on the etching felts- they are expensive

Project outline - ​6 concept driven projects will be given to explore the printmaking techniques covered in this course. In addition to this, there will be a final group book arts project/ exchange with the entire class which will serve as the final exam.

Final Project - Artist’s Book Exchange- ​Size and concept decided upon by class. Proposals will be introduced at midterm.

● A calendar will be posted on Blackboard with due dates for projects, presentations, critiques, and final portfolio exchange. Studio must be clean at the end of exam period, and all student work removed.