We bring people together by using old printing presses to amplify new voices, share knowledge, and spark creativity.
Why You Should Totally Take This Class
Are you in need of expert advice on linoleum block printing? Come take this Long-distance Letterpress workshop, where you’ll pick up skills and a big dose of inspiration from one the brightest stars in letterpress, the charismatic Mary Bruno of Bruno Press in St. Joseph, Minnesota. This live demonstration on carving and proofing linoleum blocks is the perfect introduction to relief printmaking, whether you have access to a letterpress shop right now or not. And, because we’re guessing you’re more of a fan of print than computer screens, all participants will receive a copy of the class project via snail mail as a tangible reminder of the experience.
What You’ll Learn
First, Mary will take you through a series of progressive steps to get you ready to carve a one color design. Then, she’ll show you her tricks for transferring the image onto other blocks to create prints with multiple colors. In the two hours we’ll have together, Mary will answer all of your questions on the following:
- Designing for linocut printing
- Transferring the image onto the linoleum block
- Selecting the right carving tools and wielding them properly
- Planning your key block
- Creating linocuts with multiple colors
- Printing techniques that can be done at home or on a Vandercook cylinder press
Who should take this class?
This demonstration is for any designer or printer who is interested in creating unique hand-carved illustrations. This style of printmaking is doable whether you have access to a printing press or not.
Prerequisites
This workshop consists of a live demonstration and interactive Q&A, with no advance preparation or supplies necessary to participate.
About the Instructor
Mary Bruno is letterpress printer in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where she runs Bruno Press, a print shop started by her father, design professor, Don Bruno. As you might expect, Mary’s love for printing and skill for the craft came from her father, whose memory she honors every time she carves linoleum, handsets wood or lead type, or prints a broadside. Mary produces an irreverent line of greeting cards that are sold nationally (via Bruno Press), and she has also been involved in organizing traveling exhibitions of letterpress.
