Kickstart to printmaking: Linoleum

Oh, i have been yearning to conduct print making session, with one of my favourite materials: linoleum, for so long. 

finally, we have kicked start on it. The photographs are taken as student-artists progress one step further into printmaking. The focus was on steps and process more than to strictly adhere to the principles of what accurately prints/editions. 

the first two weeks was to practice images in reverse. This step is important because images printed off a linoleum

will be in reverse. To ensure images are the way you want it, it has to be drawn and carved in the reverse first. 

Session 3 & 4 was craving onto Linoleum and create two monoprints: one using watersoluble pastels, the other with ink & roller. 

Session 5 was to create an image in an Edition of 4. A placemat was made out recycable paper to help with alignment. 

The key rule is to apply one colour per sheet of paper. 

After printing four, student-artists carved out a little more linoleum and to be ready for the next round of printing. 

Session 6 begin with printing a second layer of colour, in set of 4. 

And after, the linoleum was washed and dried, more parts were carved out. 

A final layer of black ink is rolled and printed on the same set of paper. 

use the placemat to align paper to linoleum

the print is completed

Store-bought paper pulp - a mask

this store-bought paper pulp proved to be a success for students who with low motor skills. 

it was easy to use and clean was a breeze too. for students who did not like dirt or alternative texture, overcome their dislike fast. 

For this project, we used the material to create a mask or a face. 

Step 1: mix pulp and water. there is a range of texture to experiment with. 

Step 2: layer pulp on a paper plate. we are keeping the ate as a base. if you choose to have only the pulp, advice to use a plastic. 

another option is to cut paper plate to a design. students can scrap away pulp with pencil or stick to create a design as how the eyes are done. you will achive a relief effect.

Step 3: take handful of pulp and mould them into forms; cubes, sphere, teardrop, semi-circle, triangles, etc. Press into base layer. 

Step 4: Add colours, we used a minture of water and food colouring. 

Tip: white glue will help stick parts when dry.

acrylic and coloured paper on cavas

the garden was the inspiration for this projects. 

Step 01: Paint textures on canvas with acrylic paint. use tools or brush to create texture. mix colours to create texture. 

Step 02: Dry

Step 03: Provide assortment of coloured paper for students to cut. 

Step 04: Demonstrate and discuss stages of paper. e.g. cut, strip, crushed, crumble, fold. 

Step 05: Paste coloured paper

Step 06: Add a thick layer of white glue on coloured paper

Step 07: Dry

dough and birdseeds

Butterfly

birds

caterpillar

Kick-start 3D pen

Technology and devices have become a new contributor to the art classroom, especially with it being SAFE for use, accessible and reasonably priced.

I participated in a 3hr workshop late last year to get a feel on how the 3D pen function. This is so I know a little to oversee: What are the safety issues and way to grip the device. And as they say "the rest is up to them" which is entirely true because students created and problem-solve structural issue way way better than I can.

Students attended a different workshop conducted by Simplify3D. During this session, our instructor shared and explained, followed


Second attempt by two students. This was done entirely on their own freehand without a template or guide.


Student J on the other hand picked up the use of device very naturally.

Portraits of Classmates through Assemblage

This was project inspired by a mix of relief sculpture and assemblage.  

We wanted cost to be low and more importantly, to make use of materials the school has in stock, hence over six sessions, eight students worked on these two frames. 

Session 1: As always, sketches and ideas from students

Session 2: Transferring ideas onto board (that came with the Ikea Frame). Start gluing objects, in this case, we used lots of plastic drink bottles the school had left over from a previous project. 

* Tip*  tape a border to create a marker so no object is glue, otherwise fitting on the frame may end up being challenging. 

Session 3 & 4: Check most items are securing glued. Paper marche a layer or two of Kitchen Towel (or Tissue Paper). This create a nice surface for acrylic to sit. At the end of session 4 or before you are ready to add colours, create an outline (if necessary) and let it dry over night at least.    

Session 5 & 6: As always, I strongly encouraged the background of any large project or canvas to be filled first. Especially like us, we have limited time, filling the background first reduce the need for major touch-up.