Collagraph Printing

Create some unique printing blocks using a range of textured materials and experiment with embossing and printing them in colour. All materials provided.  For age 16+ with Karolyn. Reduced price for 16 to 25 year olds.

Collagraphy is a printingprocess using a textured plate, which is created by sticking a variety of low relief materials onto a base board. All kinds of textured materials can be used to create a collagraph block; wallpaper, fabrics, bubble wrap, leaves, stencils, string, threads, netting, tapes, wax and grass all work well. When the block is ready, it is best sealed with a quick drying varnish/sealant before printing ink is applied using brushes, a roller or rags, or a mix of all of them. The way you ink your collagraph block will have an effect on the final print. Ink can be applied to the surface and also the lower areas. Different textures hold varying amounts of ink and print different tones, which you will discover when you print the block. It can be put through an etching press to give you a richer embossed effect, but you can also print the block by hand. All prints you make will be an interesting surprise! You can even create “blind embossed” prints which show all the textures without any colour.

Part of 'A Summer of Print', kindly supported by Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions 2023. Work from this session will feature in the exhibition at The Circular Space from 9th to 17th September.