The Dublin version of Cultural Immersion through the Fine Arts course ensures that the students have the benefit of exploring many of the fantastic museums, galleries, and studios in Dublin. While it’s always great to get out and experience the wealth of art and culture in the city, to add another element to the course we’ve added practical assignments during which students have an opportunity to explore their own creativity through a printing project. The idea of creating their own artwork has been enthusiastically embraced by the students.
The group are getting down to work creating their own Lino prints to illustrate what is achievable in this medium and how strong a black and white image can be as a visual piece. Picasso was one of the first major artists to appreciate linoleum (yes, linoleum) as a vehicle for artisic expression, so we’re following in the footsteps of a master!
Students were encouraged to select an image from a photos they’ve taken (preferably from Ireland!) or from drawings they’d done themselves. Imagining the piece in black and white is an important part of the process. Once the students were happy with the image the design is traced onto a piece of Lino, and cutting tools are used to cut out the image, keeping in mind those areas cut out will not be inked and will appear as the white sections. Once the image has been cut it can be printed with an oil based ink and then transferred to paper.
The image can be printed again and again, minor corrections or adjustments can often be made, and colour can even be used by the skilled printer.
As an instructor I really enjoy this project as it allows me to interact with the students on a one-on-one basis and encourage their personal creativity. The students like it as many of them will have never created ‘art’ before (except of course those students majoring in the visual arts!), it allows them to explore creativity, and of course it provides them with a great souvenir of their time in Ireland.
All the best from Dublin – Jacinta Kendrick – Art 220