Course Title: Investigate printmaking materials and processes

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: VART6508C

Course Title: Investigate printmaking materials and processes

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5414 - Diploma of Visual Arts

Course Contact: Joel Rainford

Course Contact Phone: +61399258193

Course Contact Email: joel.rainford@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Deborah Williams
deborah.williams@rmit.edu.au

Bill (Charles) Hay
charles.hay@rmit.edu.au

Jennifer Tarry-Smith
jennifer.tarry-smith@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 90

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will explore the diverse application of printmaking to communicate ideas. This will include developing printmaking skills and confidence to proactively experiment with various printmaking techniques and ideas to develop an individual style or voice.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUAPRI512 Investigate printmaking materials and processes

Element:

1. Research printmaking materials and processes

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Investigate ways that other artists have used different printmaking materials and processes

1.2 Research physical properties and capabilities of a range of printmaking materials

1.3 Evaluate how different technical effects are achieved through the combination of different materials and print techniques

1.4 Investigate safety issues associated with different materials and processes

1.5 Collate and store safety and technical data to meet safety requirements for use

1.6 Determine cost and supply issues for different materials

Element:

2. Select printmaking materials and processes for exploration

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Discuss characteristics and opportunities of particular printmaking materials and processes with required personnel

2.2 Evaluate creative and professional opportunities offered by different printmaking materials and processes

2.3 Identify and assess limitations and constraints of particular materials and processes

2.4 Select a particular range of materials and processes that suit own practice

Element:

3. Integrate printmaking materials and processes into own work

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Explore own new and different ways of working with materials and processes

3.2 Assess effects of different materials and processes through experimentation with samples, practice pieces or works in progress

3.3 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems with material use

3.4 Develop own ways of working with materials and processes to create individual style

3.5 Develop a coherent body of printmaking work that shows command of selected printmaking materials

3.6 Use safe work practices for handling materials and disposal of waste

Element:

4. Manage printmaking materials

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Establish supply of printmaking materials which meets price, quality and delivery expectations

4.2 Develop ways of working with materials that minimise waste

4.3 Maintain quality and maximise shelf-life of printmaking materials through appropriate handling and storage


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competency in the above elements.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning Activities may include but are not limited to:

 

  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures  
  • practical demonstrations in studio  
  • Blog/Wiki or other online discussion and participation  
  • analysis/critique of relevant reading material  
  • seminars/workshops  
  • design activities or projects  
  • group projects  
  • peer learning  
  • guest lecture/presentation  
  • class presentations  
  • group discussion  
  • research  
  • independent project-based work  
  • group activities/projects  
  • ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback  
  • visits to galleries and events  
  • practical placement  
  • simulated workplace activities.  


Teaching Schedule

Please refer to Canvas.

Note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources

Semester 1 2023WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities

Week 1

Week beginning 

6 Feb

Introduction to unit

  • Course requirements
  • Learning outcomes
  • Assessment criteria

Powerpoint presentation on historical and contemporary  Linocut printmaking

 

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

 

Overview of semester delivery.

Health and Safety induction, Introduction to Conventions and Terminology.

Equipment list

Introduce AT1: Monochromatic Lino

Discuss drawings students need to complete/begin for next class including how to research. 

 

 

Week 2

Week beginning 

13 Feb

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

Block preparation

Image transfer

Discussion of tools and potential mark making

 

Look at student work examples

Discuss their research, how to resolve drawings and the best outcome from their drawing that would translate successfully to a linocut

Upload to template 3 preparatory drawings for your linocut image. 

Prepare lino block

How to transfer image to block

Cutting techniques and possible variety of mark making

Using a bench block and OH&S issues applicable to the task.

Week 3

Week beginning 

20 Feb

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

OH&S considerations

Cutting lino design 

Discuss copyright relevant to producing print works

Cutting – students working on their block. How to  to warm block.

Repeat OH&S issues applicable to the task.

Week 4

Week beginning 

27 Feb

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

How to tear paper for printing.

How to create a registration sheet.

Discussion of sustainable practice in relation to materials and consumables. 

Demonstration of applying ink to block and how to set the press correctly.

Demonstration of printing using an etching press 

Demonstration of correct  clean up and materials required including cleaning the brayer, ink slab,tools and block.

Continue cutting block

 

Students tear their own paper and make their own registration sheet.

How to prepare ink, correct way to get out of tin and use of roller.

 

Students proof their lino blocks and practice applying ink correctly taking into account too little or too much ink.

Students clean tools and materials with sustainable considerations. 

Week 5

Week beginning 

6 March

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

Edition linocut

Discussion of signing conventions for editioned work

Editioning their block. Creating 5 identical prints.

Discuss signing edition and articulating edition numbers.

 

Students engage in correct  clean up of materials used to create work including cleaning the brayer, ink slab,tools and block.

 

Week 6

Week beginning 

13 March

AT1 Monochromatic Linocut

 Edition lino cut

 

Continue editioning their block. Creating 5 identical prints.

Students engage in correct  clean up of materials used to create work including cleaning the brayer, ink slab,tools and block.

Signing conventions

Week 7

Week beginning 

20 March

AT1: Monochromatic Lino DUE

 

Introduction to AT2: Unique State printing.

 

Presentation - Powerpoint and discussion on historical and contemporary unique state printmaking 

Demonstrate safe and correct way to measure and cut lino blocks.

Demonstrate applicable  registration sheets for the task.

SUBMIT AT1: Monochromatic Lino

 

Present examples.

Discuss artists to research.

 

Students cut their blocks. 

 

Students make their own registration sheets.

 

Week 8

Week beginning 

27 March

AT2 Unique State Prints

Review setting press for lino printing. 

Demonstrate mixing coloured ink and sustainable practice to maximize shelf life

Demonstrate the inking and printing of four consecutive blocks on the one sheet of paper to create a unique state print

 

Students begin completing AT2

Week 9

Week beginning 

3 April

AT2 Unique State Prints

Discussion of signing conventions for unique state prints

 

Students continue print unique state prints 

AT2 Part 2, 2c. Students document prints in progress or trials 

AT2 Part 4, 4.1 Signing Conventions for unique state prints

 

MID SEMESTER BREAK

 

 

Week 10

Week beginning 

17 April

Discussion of Peer review 

 

Introduction to AT3 - Intaglio

Presentation - Powerpoint and discussion on historical and contemporary intaglio printmaking 

 

Demonstrate how to file a copper plate and prepare the plate for ground application.

 

AT2 Unique State Prints due

AT2 Part 3, 3a. Students post final images on Peer Review discussion board. Students provide one peer review to another student on the Peer Review discussion board.

AT2 Part 3, 3b class discussion on positive and negative aspects of this process of printmaking.

AT2 Part 3, 3b Discussion and  analysis of possible exhibiting opportunities 

AT2 Part 4, 4.1 Students documents final images for AT2 (8 images)

AT3 Q 3b. Plate preparation for intaglio 

 

Submit AT2 Unique State Prints 

 

Week 11

Week beginning 

24 April

AT3 - Intaglio

Discuss with students their research and drawings and the best possible outcome for the project

Demonstrate ground application and image transfer

Demo how to use etching needles and drawing image into the ground

AT3 Q3d & 3j  Students apply ground on plate and transfer their image onto the plate

Students begin drawing on plate

Students make notes on processes as introduced  in Technical reference book

Week 12

Week beginning 

1 May

AT3 - Intaglio

Demonstrate how to etch a plate using corrosive.

Demonstrate OH&S issues applicable to the task. The correct PPE to use.

Demonstrate removal of ground & how to prepare the plate for proofing  - scrape and burnish edges

AT3. Q 3i. Students etch their plates.

Students remove ground and prepare plate for proofing

Students make notes on processes as introduced  in Technical reference book

Week 13

Week beginning 

8 May 

AT3 - Intaglio

Demonstrate setting press for intaglio, how to ink up and print plate.

 

Discuss how to create tone via aquatint.

Demonstrate Applying aquatint to plates

Demonstrate how to etch aquatint including times and blocking out. 

AT3. Q 3a. Students create registration sheet

AT3. Q 3c Students ink plate and proof image using etching press

AT3 Q3h. & 3g. Students apply aquatint to plate

Students make notes on processes as introduced  in Technical reference book

Week 14

Week beginning 

15 May 

AT3 - Intaglio

Discussion of MSDS (Material Safety and data Sheet) 

Discussion of the use of a Flammable and Corrosive cabinet in the studio 

Student apply and etch aquatint to plates

Registration & Edition intaglio print

Students make notes on processes as introduced  in Technical reference book

Week 15

Week beginning 

22 May 

AT3 - Intaglio

Class discussion on the materials, tools and techniques in Intaglio

Student apply and etch aquatint to plates

Registration & Edition intaglio print

Students make notes on processes as introduced  in Technical reference book

Week 16

Week beginning 

29 May 

 

Signing conventions for intaglio edition

 

 

At3 Q1a & 1b Registration & Edition intaglio print

AT3 Q1c. Students sign final edition

Document final edition of prints 

 

Week 17 

Week beginning 

5 June 

Make up classes for week of absence 

AT3 - Intaglio  DUE

 SUBMIT- AT3 INTAGLIO


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The library provides free study support services and resources to help you build your academic skills. This includes subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and other services. You can also access one-on-one consultations through the library. For further information:  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.  

 

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. 

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are: 

CA: Competency Achieved 

NYC: Not Yet Competent 

DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.  

Other Information

Attendance:  

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises   

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.  

  

Information about your studies:  

You canaccess My Studies through the RMIT websitefor information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students  

  

Assessment:  

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment  

  

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:   

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity  

  

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:   

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).  

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.    

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview