Learn the basics of woodcut image making in a single day with Drive By Press.  In this 8 hour intensive workshop, students will learn a brief history of international printmaking, dating back to the 1500s, working our way up to modern day relief printmaking.  We will cover the basics in terms of what makes a good image for a woodcut, how to prepare you image for the block, how to transfer your deign to the block, how to carve the image, and the printing. 

Students are asked to come to the class with some ideas for what they would like to create for their woodcut print.  Simple designs are suggested, considering the time constraints.  With the time allotted, each student will be provided with one 8 in x 8 in woodblock.  The workshop will be broken up into three sections, drawing, carving, and printing. We will show the students how to draw directly onto the woodblock or even transfer their drawing onto the woodblock via an acetone transfer process.

Once images are drawn and transferred, we will demo the different carving techniques and styles of mark making.  Students will be able to reference some prints from the Drive By Press collection as reference for their images. We will have a quick break for lunch.  Students can continue to carve for the majority of the afternoon.  We allow no more than 3 hours for the carving.  With more simple designs, this will be plenty of carving time. When finished carving, we will prep the blocks for printing. We will provide 10 pieces of printmaking paper for each student's paper edition.  If the students are interested, we can demo printing their woodcuts onto fabric or t-shirts.  If there is interest, we will have affordable blank shirts for sale at the workshop.  Students are also welcome to bring as many of their own garments or paper for printing if they like.  If there is extra time at the end of the workshop, we can experiment around with different printing techniques.  

Materials to bring: 

• carving tools (you must bring your own, however there will be tools brought for sharing) several brands available, but I suggest the Berkeley Powergrip (best price for quality, available at Hida Tool at $7.50 per tool. Suggest buying v-gouge, u-gouge, flat knife. Also available through woodcraft as a full set sharpening stone or slip strop (optional) for sale at art suppliers or www.woodcraft.com for $10
• extra paper for printing (optional; sample sheets will be provided for each student)
• extra fabric and/or apparel for printing (optional; keep in mind, we cannot print over a zipper, button, or snap)

Workshop + Materials Fee: $190.00

About the Instructor| Kate Fire

Kate Fire studied printmaking at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY and has been working with the printmaking collective, Drive By Press, for the past four years.  DBP has been an active art collective and print shop for 10 years, traveling the USA by car bringing their mobile print shop to universities, art galleries, music festivals, and other events.  Founded by Greg Nanney and Joseph Velasquez, DBP has expanded with active locations in Brooklyn, NY, Austin, TX, and Oakland, CA.  Kate is the shop manager of DBP West Coast. Spread the ink!