Introduction to screen printing: 4 week course in Bristol

Description

This course is ideal for complete beginners or as a refresher for those with some experience in screen printing. Participants will transfer artwork onto a screen using photo stencils, which will then be printed. The course covers all stages of the print process including artwork preparation, coating and exposing the screen, colour mixing, paper registration and printing multilayered prints. The small number of students (maximum 3) means that participants can learn at their own rate. The course is structured so that students learn skills by working on individual projects. Below is an outline of how the five weeks typically run, but it may vary according to individual students own learning pace/previous experience. The time span in the four week course enables students to prepare additional artwork at home as the course runs, and thus allows students to be more productive, and develop a deeper understanding of the whole process from artwork creation through to printing than is possible on a one day course. Week 1: Introduction and artwork preparation. Students will work on images they have brought in order to make them 'screen ready'. This will also involve the preparation of additional artwork to create screen prints with layered colour. Students will begin the process of transferring their images onto screens using photo stencils. We look at colour mixing. Week 2: Complete Screen preparation and begin printing. Students complete the process of screen prep, and make the first prints, this includes detailed practise of aspects of printing such as flooding, correct use of the squeegee, print registration, and trouble shooting. Week 3: Printing and prep of second artwork Week 4: Printing and completion of the second print. Screenprint - a quick explanation Screen printing is best thought of as a print process that uses stencils to build up an image. The stencil is attached to the screen, a fine nylon mesh attached to a frame. The image is printed by dragging a squeegee at pressure across the screen, pushing ink through the fine mesh in the ‘open’ areas of the stencil onto paper, fabric, or any flat surface. There are different ways of making stencils, traditionally using cut paper. The modern process of stencil making involves coating the screen with a light-sensitive paste which uses a process similar to darkroom photography to expose the image onto the screen. This type of stencil allows greater detail than paper stencils and enables drawings, photographic images and text to be screen printed. For each colour you intend to print there needs to be a separate stencil. The printed image is built up using layers. Click through to book, or get in touch with any questions.

What's included in the price?

All materials, inks and equipment, fresh coffee, teas and snacks. Standard cartridge paper is included as well as an allowance of high-quality Fabriano print paper, more of which can be purchased from the tutor at cost price. Please bring some change for the purchase of any additional paper and an A3 folder to take your work home in. Ability level No art experience or drawing ability is required, just an interest in the screenprint process. Under 16's can take part if accompanied by a participating adult. Disability and access Access to the studio is on the first floor via a flight of stairs. Screen printing requires some wrist strength (just regular fitness) and requires the student to stand while printing. About the tutor I am a printmaker specializing in screen print. Although initially studying painting at Portsmouth Polytechnic, l later became interested in print and discovered the joys of screen printing while studying for an MA in Printmaking at Chelsea College of Art in 1990. I hold a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and have been teaching screen printing to all ages and abilities for over a decade. About the Studio and equipment My studio within the Centrespace studio block is a light and airy space of two rooms with an adjoining cubicle for washing screens. One room houses the print equipment and one is for design and drawing work. The print room uses much low tech and self-built equipment and includes four printing stations (two tabletop setups and two vacuum beds), an exposure unit, and marble racks for drying artwork. The drawing room includes desk space for three and a large lightbox. Cancellation by participants Please note that due to a small number of participants in each workshop, any refunds or postponements will be dependant on whether the cancelled place can be reassigned. Cancellations by tutor In the event that it is necessary to cancel a workshop due to lack of uptake or illness, participants will receive a full refund. If the tutor has to cancel a single evening session, we will try to arrange an extra date that all participants can attend. If this is not possible for all appropriate partial refund will be given. Coronavirus Info for Simon Tozer Screenprint workshop participants: To be able to run workshops in my studio as safely as possible while there is a risk of infection from Coronavirus, l have considered how best l can reduce the potential for transmission of the virus between workshop participants, other users of the building, and myself. To this end, l have made changes to how the space is used during workshops, and am undertaking additional hygiene measures before and during workshops. Having said this, the workshop is not large and, although there will always only be a maximum of three participants, please note it will not always be possible to maintain a 2-metre distance between people. Measures l am taking: Touchpoints will be disinfected prior to the workshop including tools, equipment and door handles. There will be a visitor specific toilet, which will be disinfected prior to the workshop. The antibacterial gel will be provided, as well as soap for handwashing. Disposable gloves will be provided. Sharing of equipment, materials and tools will be minimized. Extra hygiene care will be taken with the provision of refreshments. Participants will receive instruction on Covid safe practice in the workshop. Aprons will be washed prior to every workshop. Visitor specific toilet Guidelines for workshop participants: Do not attend if you have possible symptoms, or if you have been in contact with anyone who has. We can reschedule your workshop. Bring a face covering with you - and be aware that you may be asked to wear it. Use the handwash provided on entering and leaving the building. Ideally, email your artwork to me in advance. Bring a folder or a couple of pieces of card with you (at least 40 x 30cm) for you to take your prints home in. If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Simon Tozer

with Craft Courses since 2017

Message the tutor

I discovered screenprinting in 1990 while at college, and was instantly hooked on it; the crisp edges and pools of saturated colour, and l liked its versatility - you can work small or very large, be spontaneous or meticulous as you like, and it is just as easy to print on a tee shirt or a piece of plywood as a piece of paper. In 2002 l moved to Bristol to study a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education. I divide my time between making prints, drawings and paintings, teaching, and illustration.