Two-day workshop with Vanessa Jo Bahr
Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2024
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
$200 plus $60 materials fee
(WhitPrint members: $180 plus $60 for materials)
About the Workshop
During this intensive 2-day workshop, learn how to hand-saw a custom shaped copper plate and create an aquatint etching from it! Each participant will leave with their very own jewelers saw, an etched copper plate, several etchings made from their plate, and the knowledge to repeat the process in their personal practice! No previous etching experience required but prior knowledge of any intaglio technique would be helpful.
A 5x7” copper plate will be provided to each student. The materials fee also covers the ink, paper, hard ground (for stopping out), saw blades, spray paint, paint pens, and litho crayons that will be available for workshop use.
Day 1
The course will begin with a brief history of the aquatint process. We will then begin by tracing the outline of our image onto a piece of copper and learning how to use a jewelers saw to cut the shape out. Once the copper is shaped, you will be guided through the steps to prepare a plate for applying an aquatint ground. Students will observe a demonstration on how to coat their copper plate with rosin using the rosin box and with spray paint using a spray box. Each participant will then get a chance to coat their plate using the spray paint method. After our plates dry, we will transfer our image onto the grounded plate. Before parting ways, we will discuss how to plan out the stages of an aquatint so students can contemplate how they want to shade their image the following day.
Day 2
Day two will start with students drawing onto their grounded plates using litho crayons and paint pens. Once images are rendered to completion, we will map out our stage bites. We will etch our plates in ferric chloride with increasing intervals. The solution will eat into the copper and create rich toned areas that will hold ink in varying densities. While our plates are etching, we will prepare our paper for printing and set the pressure and registration on the press. After the plates are etched, we will clean off the ground and print them together. Each student will print their plate a few times to practice proper inking and wiping techniques. You will leave with multiple aquatint prints, hand pulled from your very own copper cut plate!
Preparation
Students need to come with their image prepared and to-scale. Instructions will be emailed ahead of class to assist in choosing an appropriate image for the course. I’m happy to consult and correspond ahead of class to ensure a successful shape / image is decided upon!
About the Instructor
Vanessa Jo Bahr, originally from Chicago, Illinois, received her BFA from Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2011 along with a minor in education. In 2012, she received her teaching license and has taught art in schools, universities and art centers in Colorado, Oregon and Ohio. In 2022 she completed her MFA from Ohio University’s printmaking program along with an arts administration certificate. Presently she resides in Ashland, Oregon where she recently founded the community printmaking studio, Scavenger Studios, which hosts various classes, workshops and open studios.
Reserving Your Spot
Register and pay in full to reserve your spot. To cancel a workshop enrollment, please email studio@whitprint.com. You'll get a full refund if your request is received at least four weeks before the start of the workshop, or a 50% refund if it is received at least one week before the start.
