Course Syllabus

ART 2240 Intaglio Printmaking

Course Description

This course explores intaglio printmaking as a dynamic and thriving visual art medium. Students will create original prints utilizing the intaglio processes of collagraph, drypoint, engraving, etching, and mezzotint. Study will include investigations into the evolution and historical significance of each process as well as contemporary trends in the ever-expanding world of printmaking. In addition to a final portfolio of prints presented in a handcrafted clamshell portfolio, students will create a series of unique artist book structures created from recycled intaglio print impressions. A fee is required.

Justification

This is a studio course in process, history, and production of fine art intaglio prints. Printmaking is included in most higher education curricula as a prominent visual arts medium. This course is essential for many 2D art majors and is required for many bachelor's degree programs in the visual arts during the first two years of study. It is one of many courses for students to choose from to fulfill their Art Studio Electives as part of the AFA in Visual Studies degree at Snow College.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Material Proficiency: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to visually communicate their narrative and/or concept using the tools, materials, and processes of intaglio relief prints.
2. Principles of Concept: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to incorporate meaningful content, and visual narrative into their work.
3. Historical Context: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to interpret historical influence on contemporary printmakers, including where their own work exists in the continuing history of the medium.
4. Critical Theory: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to utilize critical analysis to recognize success, identify weaknesses, and foster improvement in their own current and future work, and that of their peers.
5. Creative Process: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to integrate the clear graphic communication strategies of the intaglio printing process into their own creative practice.

Course Content

Through demonstrations, slide lectures, readings, practical application, and critiques, students will integrate intaglio printmaking processes into their creative work. These teaching methods are tailored to accommodate unique learning styles that will culminate with a variety of rigorous experiential, creative projects. This course will include study of aesthetic theory, mark making, and compositional strategies as they relate to the unique marks of the intaglio print; multiple intaglio processes including developing imagery, the creation of the matrix, registration, papers, inking, and pulling a print; development of concept, narrative, and meaning to intaglio work; editioning, proofing, numbering, and signing original prints; major figures and movements within the genre of printmaking; critical dialog between the artist, the artwork and the viewer; and various intaglio processes such as collagraph, drypoint, engraving, etching and mezzotint.