Fungi Linocut Printmaking
Join local artist Chiara Mensa, for a morning of linocut printmaking inspired by mushroom shapes. No previous experience is required, making this a great opportunity to try linocut for the first time or to dust off your carving tools after a long break in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
The group size will be small, with a maximum of 8-10 participants to allow you to interact directly with Chiara and get the most out of the workshop experience.
OVERVIEW
This three-hour hands-on workshop will see you sketch, carve and print your very own fungi-inspired linocut print, ready to be framed or gifted. At the end of the event, you can also take your lino block home to continue practising and printing.
What you’ll learn and do:
— Mark-making, linocutting and hand printing 101;
— Sketch your design on paper and transfer it onto lino;
— Carve the lino block* using different size tools;
— Ink up your block with quality oil-based relief printmaking inks;
— Hand print your block on acid-free, eco-friendly paper** made from recycled single-use coffee cups.
(*)(**) During our three-hour session, you will receive an A6 lino block (10.5cm x 14.8cm) to carve your design. You will then print the block on A5-sized paper (14.8cm x 21cm). These sizes will allow you to finish your piece, make one or two copies of your design, and still have time to clean up.
What you’ll get:
— Access to professional quality premium materials;
— A copy (or two!) of your very own original lino print;
— Your carved lino block which can be reused to create more prints;
All materials, tools, and light refreshments (such as tea, coffee, and water) will be provided, along with an apron to protect your clothes. All you need to do is bring yourself, your creativity and the willingness to get your fingers inky!
While props, template drawings and reference books will be available during the event to inspire you to sketch your design, feel free to bring any personal sketch or reference image you would like to use.
KEY INFO
Run by Bristol-based artist Chiara Mensa — follow @chiaramensaart for linocut tips, original prints and updates.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Adults only workshop, 16+
WHEN: 9.30AM-12.30PM; you are encouraged to arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a prompt start.
WHERE: John James Room at Windmill Hill City Farm Philip St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA. The farm is 15-20 minutes walk from Temple Meads Station and Bristol’s City centre.
PARKING: On-street parking is available (and FREE on weekends!)
ARTIST BIO
Chiara is a Bristol-based artist whose primary focus is creating original art prints from hand-carved lino blocks. She lovingly handprints her designs using a barren or table-top press in her home studio. She truly enjoys the slow making that comes with hand printing linocut blocks, producing small batches of limited edition prints which make for a great way to start collecting original art.
You can browse and purchase Chiara’s original linocuts from her online shop: https://chiaramensaart.etsy.com
