Printmaking
The curriculum includes courses in intaglio, screenprint, lithography, relief and mixed media printing and permits photo and digital processes. Beginning students are expected to develop a thorough working knowledge of the traditional aspects of these mediums, which includes printing a small edition, before using more experimental techniques. A student with a greater understanding of these processes is more capable of realizing their ideas. Although projects are used to assist students in acquiring the necessary skills, emphasis is placed on the originality of the idea and its subsequent development.
Intermediate and advanced students are encouraged to develop a more individual and focused body of work, possibly utilizing a variety of print procedures or in combination with other media, such as photography, painting, or sculpture.
Each year students and faculty participate in a Miniprint Exchange Portfolio that includes 35 participants and raises funds to support students attending conferences. The area also supports a Visiting Artist in Printmaking where students work with an artist to create an edition of prints.
The studio is a large, well-lit area with panoramic views of Salt Lake City and beyond. Intaglio facilities include an American French Tool Press, 36” x 60” and a Printmaker Company electric press, 42” x 60”. The ventilated acid booths will accommodate etching baths, 34” x 45”. Our acid room also features a ventilated plate cleaning area. The lithographic facilities include one brand press, 46” x 24”, a Griffen press, 38” x 68”, has a variety of differently sized litho stones and also carries aluminum plates. There is also a large stone grinding sink and portable pneumatic lift. Screenprinting equipment inclues a Para-Press pneumatic parallel lift press that accommodates screens up to 64” x 70”, and shop made vacuum presses, 40” x 48”. The washout area accommodates screens 66” x 54” and includes an electric high-pressure washer. The darkroom contains an enlarger and assorted photo equipment, a Millington glass vacuum table, 80” x 70”, for exposing plates and screen frames and a metal halide exposing unit.
Emphasis Area Requirements and Four-Year Plan
- Printmaking major and plan