The Art of Woodcuts
An intriguing woodworking project for the beginning or intermediate woodworker.
- Gene Shaw —July 21–27
Tuition: $750
Materials: $31.50
Woodcut printmaking is a relief-printing artistic technique in which an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood, with the printing parts remaining level with the surface while the non-printing parts are removed, typically with gouges, knives, and chisels. It was created in Europe about 1400 and, throughout time, has gone through various levels of technical and artistic development among woodworkers around the world.
Gene Shaw, artist and master woodworker, has designed this captivating course for individuals interested in learning how to create black-and-white woodcut prints. On Monday morning, Gene will introduce students to the proper use of carving tools, methods to sharpen them, and how to make a straight knife from a simple hacksaw blade. During the week, work will be done on both soft and hard woods, plywood, and linoleum blocks. There will also be an introduction to various papers, inks, and brayers. Printing will be by hand using a traditional Japanese barren (of several types) or a bamboo paddle, the instructor’s favorite.
A trip to a nearby gallery that exhibits woodcuts and wood engravings by a number of local artists will be planned early in the week to expose students to a wide variety of styles and provide inspiration. Gene will also take the class on several drawing excursions to some of the boat yards and shops in Brooklin to help students develop ideas and compositions to take back to the shop to translate into woodcuts.
Anyone interested in woodcarving and woodworking will be fascinated by this week with Gene, a very talented craftsman and artist. By the end of the course, everyone will have achieved a solid foundation for designing and producing high-quality woodcut prints in a small space using quality tools and materials.
