Lino Cut Printmaking

A free project of four workshops with award winning visual artist Jillian Bain Christie, and an introduction to lino cut and the relief printing process.

Relief printing involves carving a block using various tools to create a design where the printable image is on the surface of the block. Areas left raised will print, and areas removed will not. The relief image is covered with an oil based ink using a roller, and paper is placed on the face of the surface before pressure is applied, either with a press or by hand. The result can be quite graphic, detailed, or sculptural depending on the design.

Participants brought their own images to work from. All tools and materials were provided, all levels of ability were welcome, whether an absolute beginner or an experienced artist, and the workshops were open to anyone aged 18 and over.

The four sessions

Session 1. An introduction to and demonstration of the relief printing process, with a variety of examples, how to transfer a design onto the block, and the use of different tools to explore mark making. Participants then created and printed their own lino cuts.

Session 2. Further ways of exploring lino cut, incorporating colour, texture and multiple plates to add more variety to finished images.

Session 3. With some practical experience behind them, participants created a final image, which could incorporate more than one colour or plate.

Session 4. Finishing off and printing the final images.

Ten places were available. The finished work was shown at the Romney Marsh Community Hub and then transferred to the Marsh Academy Leisure Centre.