The use of light-based print processes is ubiquitous in contemporary printmaking. Light to Ink will lay a foundation of knowledge within the printmaking medium for using light as a part of the image-making process. The class is designed to introduce students to the basics of Printmaking using either hand made, digital or photo-made matrixes. The class will learn to make prints using the traditional print methods of intaglio, lithography and screenprint and build a base of information about the production of the film transparencies from which the matrix is made. Students will be taught the skills necessary to take the photo, computer, or handmade image from a one or a series of positive transparencies to a finished print. From Light to Ink is a starting point for growth and exploration in photo printmaking and an introduction to printing in intaglio, lithography and screenprint. No prior knowledge of printmaking is required. This class is most appropriate for sophomores, juniors and first semester seniors.

Open to Junior, Senior or Graduate Painting Students. 
 

Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking

Students in the graduate printmaking program will utilize graduate level research and scholarship as an impetus for growth within studio practice. Investigation into historical cycles of printmaking will be fostered through assigned texts and exploration of primary resources available at RISD, especially The RISD Museum. A dialogue stemming from intensive studio work will be developed in varied formats by faculty, visiting artists and peers throughout the semester.

Open to Graduate Painting Students. 
 

Major Requirement | MFA Printmaking

Students in the graduate printmaking program will utilize graduate level research and scholarship as an impetus for growth within studio practice. Investigation into historical cycles of printmaking will be fostered through assigned texts and exploration of primary resources available at RISD, especially The RISD Museum. A dialogue stemming from intensive studio work will be developed in varied formats by faculty, visiting artists and peers throughout the semester.

Open to Graduate Printmaking Students.

Major Requirement | MFA Printmaking

Students will stretch their own screens and will be introduced to a wide range of stencil techniques (cut film, paper stencil, crayon and glue, tusche and glue, and photo). Students are urged to experiment with stencil and printing techniques to produce a portfolio of editioned prints.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $175.00

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior or Graduate Printmaking Students. 
Major Requirement | BFA Printmaking

Printmaking and The Politics of Protest examines the role of prints and printed matter in
the context of political protest, the power of images, and how artists as well as non-
artists have asserted and supported social justice and sustainability issues through art.
While exploring the historical and structural basis of inequality, students will learn
different theoretical paradigms and techniques for visual analysis in order to understand
how visual media can inscribe and dismantle power and be a catalyst for change while
mediating numerous social, economic, cultural and political differences. More
importantly students will form recognition of their positions in an increasingly pluralistic
world while fostering an understanding of social and cultural differences. This will be
investigated through some of the following methods: lectures, exhibitions, guest
lectures, video, historical art and media, group research initiatives, and the discussion of
and creation of images that define and explore issues impacting our lives.

Elective

Printmaking is a unique way to make images and to think about the construction of images. It emphasizes thinking in layers and processes that value indirect and highly mediated production.

This course is based in the intaglio studio and will cover a wide range of traditional printmaking techniques such as Intaglio, Collagraph, Stencil, and Relief, as well as non-traditional techniques utilizing methods of Monoprints, Monotypes, and Mixed media. Various methods of creating an image on metal plate, linoleum, mat board, and plexiglass will be covered. While learning the proper preparation for images and competent use of the equipment, the course will focus on presenting important visual and conceptual problems relevant to field of printmaking, as well as visual culture. Once the basic language of the rich history of printmaking is explored and understood, students will be prompted to push the boundaries of the processes while creating new ways a print is made, explored, and considered.

ELECTIVE