WEEK 3

Assessment of the student's digital skills revealed some students needed an InDesign workshop. Students had alot of really great questions during the workshop and all were encouraged to ask questions in the future. 

The analysis of the selected entrepreneur was turned in. After the workshop, I asked everyone to lay their preliminary image ideas out for student and  faculty feedback. Everyone had to describe their project succinctly [and were reminded this practice will help everyone craft their verbal presentation as time goes on].

Feedback was really great from everyone, lots of perceptive suggestions and thoughtful criticism. We were engaged in the discussion enough to miss going to xpedx paper company to get paper samples. All students are urged to visit their showroom to get paper ideas and pick up samples. Check out xpedx.com for their location and hours.

I talked about Gocco [the Japanese craft print system verging on distinction] and how I adapt the printing aspect of it to get better results. Here are samples of Gocco printing on several blank journals and a onesy.

This is the B&W drawing I started with. Per instructions, it needs to be dome with a carbon based ink or a toner based copy [which has adequate carbon in it]. Note the detail in linework and compare it to the samples. Fine line doesn't render well [tends to fill in] but the result on the samples is nonetheless pleasing. Smooth surfaces give the best detail, printing on knits will show the texture of the cloth. Consider this when creating your drawing.

This is a screenprint frame made of chipboard and tape. This one is set up for printing on a small Muji blank journal [see the middle journal in the sample pic above]. I've removed the acetate cover normally on the screen and have taped the screen in a position that situates the image where I want it on the journal cover. I will use a piece of chip board cut to the width of the screen. Ink is put on the top of the screen and each print is pulled until the coverage is good. 

NOTE: The ink dries fast so you have to work fast to keep the image clean. Have a clean space nearby to place your multiples. Working with a partner can speed up the process. Standard Gocco inks can be blended to make new colors. Mix enough for your project and save it in a small Tupperware-type container.

HOMEWORK : For the in-class Gocco demo - revamp your images based on the feedback; bring in a B&W 4x5 image on paper; bring in materials to print on. Attend the Exhibiting your Work Workshop, Wednesday Sept 16th, 5-6pm in the Career Development Center, Gateway, 2nd flr. Review guest artist sites elenajohnston.com and the paperkingdom blog. Bring all work-in-progress to class. Keep working on your project.