Owl Gateway
Block Printing
Printing is comprised of several methods of making identical copies of art.
SNOWL
High Contrast Design
Here we will start by asking, “what is high contrast design?” Once we have that understanding then the student will create a high contrast design in order to carve for their block printing project.
The definition of contrast is the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association. Artist have many elements that they are able to use in order to create contrast or lessen contrast. Johannees Itten identifies seven particular types of contrast in art: saturation, temperature, simultaneous, proportion, luminosity, hue amd complemetary colour.
Master Oamie’s Thoughts
Memorable iconography is often created with the use of high contrast.
OWLEE
Linocut Carving
Linoleum, more commonly known by the shortened name, lino, was originally developed as a floor covering. It is now popular with artists who carve into the smooth lino surface, creating linocut blocks that are used for block printing.
You will begin by transferring your design onto your linoleum block. You will then use different carving tools to carve your lino block and prepare it for stamping multiple prints.
Master Oamie’s Thoughts
These carved lino pieces can be used for a variety of purposes, including art prints, stamps and printing images on t-shirts.
SHOWL-LIN
Block Printing
The Show-Lin OamieMon Level focuses on block printing. Block printing is thought to have its origins in China over 4,000 years ago. The earliest known was printed on paper as a book on what is known as the Diamond Sutra. Essentially block printing is the creation of a stamp. The stamps were carved from wood blocks and then pressed onto ink before being applied to fabric or paper. Working with wood blocks can be difficult so luckily we have a synthetic material called linoleum which is softer and easier to handle for all ages.
Master Oamie’s Thoughts
Block printing revolutioned art in the west since goods shipped from Japan where often shipped stuffed with worthless block print advertisements. Western artists were enchanted by the prints more than the expensive goods that the paper stuffing was protecting.
