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September, 2003
Maryland Printmakers Demo and Mini-Workshop Called A Success!
By John Murray
John Murray |
On Friday June 13, 2003 Maryland Printmaker members Gretchen Amazeen and John C.
Murray provided a "hands-on" printmaking "Mini" workshop for sixteen potential
future Printmakers and artists. The group was from six to ten years of age and
were members of a daycare facility for employees of a local government agency.
As soon as we all met each other, it was explained by Gretchen and John to
these young folks that they were about to become "Artists!" They all became
really excited about becoming printmaking artists. |
John and Gretchen demonstrate a printing technique using syrofoam plates. Click for larger view.
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The kids make their images on the syrofoam plates using various tools. Click for larger view.
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With these student members gathered around the wheel of the printing press, all were told to show
their fingers by putting their hands over their heads. (This keeps those little fingers from
involvement with the gears and press bed). This began John’s traditional printmaking demonstration
with an inked copper plate using the etching press at the Montpelier Cultural Art Center (MCAC)
in South Laurel, Maryland. MCAC sponsored the event by providing the facility, all materials,
and both John and Gretchen’s extensive expertise.
Gretchen shows the results. Click for larger view.
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Faces light up as the final printed image appears. Click for larger view.
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How wonderful to have Gretchen working so effectively with these young folks -- her background
as a teacher helped tremendously in keeping them all focused and in their seats! Gretchen
showed the kids how to make a print using Styrofoam meat trays donated by Kay, the manager
from our local Giant food store. Also used were water-soluble non-toxic block printing ink,
and some good quality print paper. All clean up was accomplished with just some soapy water.
The kids drew their images on the Styrofoam, leaving an indentation that would soon become
their printed image. Basic process colors were rolled out on a glass inking table, and each
child had to select the color of choice for their respective masterpiece. Gretchen and John
showed the adult leaders from the group how to relief ink the Styrofoam plate. Next, the
kids sat down and used both their hands and a baren to press the paper into the ink.
(Gretchen explained to these budding artists that they would now become the printing press).
After much rubbing, it was so wonderful to see the kid’s faces light up like bright light bulbs
when they saw their drawn picture magically appear. They noticed it was now a mirror image as
the print paper was slowed peeled away from the Styrofoam plate.
Syrofoam plates
and prints
on display.
Click for larger view.
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All the newly pulled prints were hung up to dry (along with the meat tray printing plate)
then placed in protective plastic bags with the hope this would assure an intact and safe
journey home.
There can be no finer or more meaningful gift for a child to present to Dad (or Mom)
on Fathers Day than a hand made piece of art from their child. This is going to be a
memorable Fathers Day for a lot of dads!
These prints are really "keepers!"
Both John and Gretchen are resident printmakers at the MCAC facility.
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