Introduction to Printmaking Processes

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120 Hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject will introduce students to the unique possibilities inherent in printmaking processes, with a technical focus on monotype, relief and intaglio techniques. Alongside this workshop focus, students will be introduced to the key historical moments in the evolution of printmaking through an introductory lecture, which encompasses the fundamental technological innovations that have impacted upon printmaking, as well as the major terms of reference that will allow students to engage with printmaking terminology within a workshop environment.

Students will also be introduced to the Prints and Drawings collection at the NGV, from which students will be required to write a 1500 word essay that engages with a specific print based work that has a direct influence on the portfolio that they are creating within the printmaking workshop. Students will also be exposed to a lecture from the Printmaking Technician that demonstrates more advanced technical processes and possibilities within the field of printmaking.

Within the workshop, students will be encouraged to explore their own work and utilize a selection of techniques by engaging with ideas of repetition, difference, and variation. This subject is designed to explore printmaking processes and technology as a vehicle for imaging ideas and image production, as well as to motivate and involve students in analytical thinking about visual perception. It also includes an induction into the Printmaking workshop, with an emphasis on Occupational Health & Safety.

This subject has an enrolment quota and therefore places are limited. Selection is based on students firstly enrolling via the portal and then having fully registered successfully. Students enrolling but not registering cannot be accepted. You are advised to enrol early so that you can register as soon as the registration system opens. Confirmation of your successful enrolment and registration will be provided by the VCA & MCM Student Centre at least one week prior to teaching. Students who have not successfully completed both enrolment and registration will also be advised.

This subject will enable students to:

• Comprehend and apply fundamental skills and techniques and gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods and materials to enable confidence in exploring and experimenting with a variety of working processes within printmaking.

• To confidently navigate a professional printmaking workshop and motivate students to comfortably create visual outcomes within this environment.

• Establish foundations for a practical understanding and application of sound occupational health and safety practices.

• Exhibit evidence of skill development pictorially, technically and conceptually as a means of independent image making.

Progress review: Ongoing feedback is provided to students throughout the subject’s duration via individual discussion. A progress review will take place midway through the subject, taking into account course engagement and work development.

10% Visual Diary: Appropriate support and resource material including a visual diary should be submitted for assessment alongside the Final Portfolio.

20% Essay: 1500 word essay that engages with a specific print based work from the NGV Prints and Drawings collection that has a direct influence on student’s final portfolios (1 week after conclusion of subject).

70% Final portfolio (conclusion of subject): A final portfolio will be produced that demonstrates an appropriate level of understanding of the processes, skills and techniques that are being demonstrated. This will be assessed through visual outcomes that exhibit a clear understanding of the materials and processes inherent to printmaking, as well as adhering to the guidelines of working in a professional printmaking studio. Assessment requires participation in the workshop, demonstrating an ability to experiment with printmaking techniques to produce a final body of work. Final portfolio (last day of subject).

Hurdle Requirement A minimum of 80% class attendance is required.

Incidental Fees will apply for the purpose of accessing the workshop and purchase of materials as relevant.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

At the completion of the subject students should be able to:

• Display an awareness of the graphic possibilities of a variety of concepts, materials and practices;

• Exhibit evidence of skill development both pictorially and technically as a means of independent image making;

• Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;

• Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis and problem solving;

• Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary art, cultural developments and new ideas.