Making Prints: A Visual Overview of Methods and Techniques

This exhibit offers examples from the four main types of printmaking - relief, intaglio, planographic and serigraphy, and also includes some variations such as the mono-print. The intent of this exhibit is didactic with two main educational components. The first is to inform the viewer of the artistic merits of fine art printmaking. For the casual observer, the artist’s direct and immediate participation in the printmaking process may not always be fully appreciated or understood. This misunderstanding may be due to the association of printmaking with photomechanical reproductions.

Photomechanical reproductions involve photographically transferring an image from an original. Where as, fine art printmaking involves the use of a master plate on which the artist has created a design or image by hand. The master plate is inked and through a variety of different techniques, the image is transferred from the master plate onto a surface such as paper or fabric. Understanding this process is the second thrust of the exhibit. Through the use of text and visual examples the methods and techniques of fine art printmaking - from the original master plate to the finished print - are exhibited.

The Fairfield sincerely thanks the contributions of six professional fine art printmakers, Bonnie De Arteaga, Julia Bresnahan, Donna Brown, Carol Gresko-Lyons, R. Charles Lyons and Chris Style, whose efforts to bring this exhibit to fruition speaks of their dedication to teaching and to their art. It is evident that each artist brings to this exhibit their own unique style and artistic vision demonstrated through a medium that provides endless possibilities for creative expression.

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