Metal Plate Etching Workshop …
what you need to know
what you need to know
WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday-Sunday 1-2 November
TIME – 9:45am for a 10am start
Finishing around 4pm
LOCATION
This workshop is held my own private studio at:
10 Nadi Lane, North Maleny
5 minutes drive from the Maleny township. Scroll down the page to see the Google map.
PARKING
CARPORT – Fits 2 cars.
SIDE PARKING AREA – Fits 3–4 cars; the first car should park snugly at the front to allow room for others.
OVERFLOW – If everything is full, you can park in the driveway, and we’ll shuffle cars if needed. Street parking is also available on the grass verge.
ON ARRIVAL
Head through the carport and into the studio. I’ll be inside, getting everything ready for our morning.
Please take a moment to read through the information on this page. It contains important information about your upcoming workshop.
If, after reading the information below, you still have questions before our time together, please call 0413 384 426 or email me.
GET READY …
Get ready for a jam-packed full and fun weekend of metal plate etching and inky goodness! We will take a relaxed approach during our two days, but we will cover a lot of ground.
Post-high school, metal plate etching was where I continued my printmaking journey; and where I thought I would stay. But I wasn’t comfortable working with the toxic chemicals needed to etch zinc and copper plates. Fast forward some 23 years and I discovered the joys of etching aluminium plates using a solution of copper sulphate, salt and water.
Considered a non-toxic process for etching metal plates, this new approach makes for an easier and safer environment than traditional etching processes.
DAY 1 – we will focus on creating line-etched plates and prints. Whether drawing or mark making (or both), we will etch then print images working with line and simple marks only.
DAY 2 – we will continue to work with the same plates, adding tone to further developing your images.
SAFETY
Our approach to etching on the day will be safe and relatively non-toxic. The etching process itself is considered a non-toxic process; but some chemicals (etching ground, turps and metho) are used for plate preparation.
Gloves are provided for working with chemicals and inks.
We will be etching our metal plates outside, where it is well ventilated.
General health and safety around etching will be discussed throughout the day. I will provide demonstration and instruction on the use of tools and chemicals safely, and it is expected that you follow the instructions and take care while using them.
Please wear closed, comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your workshop fee covers everything you need on the day – printing papers, etching tools and inks, printing presses, other creative resources, reference materials and studio equipment for this workshop.
You will be working with 2x aluminium plates. Refer to IMAGE IDEAS below for the size options of the plates.
One plate can be for play and experimentation, and the other for an intentional image.
You will leave with your two etched aluminium plates, a series of prints from your plates, and handouts with information to help you keep your newfound skills going.
IMAGE IDEAS
Bring your ideas along – drawings, photos, image reference.
I will also have examples and reference images on hand. You’ll see down the bottom of the page some examples of workshop student printed work.
If you’re not comfy drawing, no problem at all, you can stick with ‘mark making’, or work with reference images I will have on hand on the day. It is also possible (in most instances) to ‘trace’ an image to the plate.
You can choose 2 plates from these size options:
- 10cm x 10cm
- 12cm x 12cm
- 12cm x 14cm
- 14cm x 20cm
WHAT TO BRING
AN APRON! This can be a messy printing process. The inks can be sticky and will stain clothes. If you don’t have a studio apron, then bring an old shirt – something you won’t mind getting ink on. I do have some aprons on hand.
Please wear closed, comfortable shoes. There will be some standing during the day, when we print at the printing press. We’ll ‘bite’ our plates outside in fresh air, so there will be some movement in and out of the studio.
Please also bring a pen and journal or notebook for taking notes during the workshop.
LUNCH & SNACKS
Morning and afternoon tea: A light morning and afternoon tea (gluten-free) is provided during this workshop. As is tea and coffee throughout the day.
Lunch: Please bring your own. You can also pop into town to grab something, though parking can be difficult on weekends. There’s a fridge, microwave, and cutlery in the studio if you need them.
Examples of past student’s work and at work
I’ve added some photos of student’s work below to give you an idea of the sort of images and level of complexity can work to. Some prints are design and ideas of students, and others from reference images I have provided. By all means bring your own image or design, but know that I will have plenty of reference on hand. This link will take you to the online gallery of student etching prints from the one-day etching workshop.
I’m really looking forward to our workshop day! See you very soon 🙂
