Print illustrations like it's 1789! Learn to engrave a wood block for reproduction via letterpress or hand inking.
Working with Rik Olson, a master in the art of wood engraving (you may know his work from SFCBs Roadworks Steamroller Printing Festival, featured on our Print Studio walls), students in this course will learn about designing their own image concept, transferring it to the wood block, how to use carving tools, engrave their own block, and how to print the finished engraving.
Each student will take home a printed baker’s dozen edition of their own block.
Materials to Bring
Each student should come with one or two small images or concepts that they would like to take to completion. The instructor will advise which will be best to pursue in class.
About the Instructor
Rik Olson (he/him)
Born in Antioch, California in 1944, Rik received his B.F.A. from the California College of Arts & Crafts, Oakland, California in 1967. He has studied and exhibited work in Florence, Italy; Germany and the U.S. Best known for his work in wood engraving, which he learned from Barry Moser and John DePol, he also works in scratchboard, pen & ink, and etching. The last 20 years he has been freelancing his Illustration work in the U.S. and abroad to corporate and publishing clients.
Past Student Reviews
“Rik was a lovely instructor- sheets and sheets of examples to inspire, all the equipment we could possibly need, an excellent attitude balancing encouragement with suggestions, and years of of stories and encounters and tales which he shared with us. My fellow classmates were all good company and it was a joy to be back in the studio with all its space, equipment, and prints hung up to inspire. I am very happy with my end result block and prints, the pacing of the class, and the overall experience- so happy I signed up!”
"I was grateful to learn from Rik and his years of experience and knowledge. His tips were great and gently given. The atmosphere was supportive as well."
“So talented. Happy to have finally met the artist I have admired for years. It was on my bucket list.”
“The instructor is amazing, really engaged and knowledgeable. He was very prepared and brought lots of inspiration source materials and all the possible tools we would need. I am very impressed by his attention to everyone during the class and his feedback and encouragement.”
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$400
Prerequisite(s):
None. No previous letterpress or wood engraving experience is necessary, all skill levels are welcome.
Class sessions:
Saturday & Sunday, July 12 & 13, 2025
10am-4pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.