Introduction to Etching / Metalligrafiikan alkeet

Duration of the workshop: 8h

Price: 250€ p/course/person, including materials. If you wish to purchase extra papers, you can do it at the studio, there is a price list.

Capacity: max 5.

Address: Vargas Print Studio, Ouluntie 3, 00550 Helsinki.

Registration until 21.1. 

For registration, 50% of the workshop fee is made in advance and in case of cancelling, it is not returned. Payment is made to Vargas Print Studio FI2415443000117239. Message: Ecthing workshop and name. We need information for reservation and billing purposes.

About the course:

Welcome to the etching workshop! Using copper plates, the participants will learn how to apply methods for etching. Through the application of hard ground, the participants will draw directly on the prepared surface and experiment different stages of etching on the plate, ink and produce a small edition on paper under professional guidelines, tools, and equipment. Participants will have access to professional tools and colours. Professional printmakers and artists can use the time to explore the technique at its most and are able to produce editions on paper during the workshop time, with or without professional guidance. This etching workshop is tailored according to the participant’s level of knowledge in printmaking. Preference will be given by order of registering.

Timetable:

Monday 22.1. (18−20:30h)

What is etching and what can with do with it?

Some examples will be shown, and some limitations will be discussed. The focus will be on the technical process of your image before we can start etching. You will be asked to work on your own theme, but first you will learn how to prepare the copper plate, to degrease it and apply hard ground. While the hard ground is drying, we will prepare/cut the papers and guides for printing.

Tuesday 23.1. (18−20:30h)

We will learn how to etch, how to stop the etching process on the plate, to prepare the inks and decide colours.

Wednesday 24.1. (18 -21h)

We will learn how to ink and print a small edition.

After that we will sign and learn what edition means and what are the most used terminations in printmaking rules of conduct (or no rules at all).

We will then finish in learning how to clean the studio after printing and maintain the plate.

Note:

Tea and coffee breaks will be provided. You can bring food and snacks, there is a microwave and a fridge. There will be a break from 17:30 - 18:00.

Before the course please bring:

- You can purchase extra papers and extra copper plates at the studio if you wish, there is a price list.

- Please wear suitable clothing as you will be working with oil-based inks and other materials. Aprons and all materials are provided.

- Wear sturdy and appropriate shoes: e.g., trainers, closed leather shoes or work boots – NOT open-toed sandals.

- Please arrive promptly for courses, as time is limited. It is essential to attend each day of the course.

We look forward to seeing you! 😊