Before the invention of printing press, printmaking was employed as a means of communication. Later printmaking started to be appreciated as an artistic medium with distinctive technical qualities. Generally, the artist creates an image on a surfacematrix places a sheet of paper on top of the inked surface to transfer image on it. Pressure is applied either manually or with a press, to transfer the image create an original print. The materials used for matrix vary according to the technique of printmaking employed. Hence for engraving or etching, metallic plates can be used while for lithography stone is employed. Similarly, blocks of wood and linoleum are used for woodcuts and linocuts respectively (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009). This paper is aimed to evaluate the history of printmaking technology in different areas of world. The variety of techniques used for printmaking will also be explored.
The simple use of printmaking was found on the cave walls of prehistoric times (Eyeconart, 2009). This technique of printmaking was further adopted by ancient Sumerians around 500 BC. They used wet clay to engrave carved-out seals by pressing, to signify the ownership of goods. The invention of paper in China proved as a milestone in the development of printmaking. With the spread of papermaking technique from China, to the rest of the world, the art of printmaking also extended and technologically sophisticated.
Being formerly used as a form of communication, the printmaking soon started to help in dissemination of Buddhist manuscripts in the 8th century, by Japanese artists. Further, in 14th century, woodcut prints became a fashionable means to distribute religious images to the common people. The art of printmaking was flourishing at its full strength, in Europe and the United States in late 19th century (Eyeconart, 2009). Some of the leading artists who carried printmaking to new heights were Degas, Turner, Goya and Blake.
Printmaking afforded the creation of multiple prints of their art works. As the art of printmaking started to spread, new tools and techniques were adopted and the art became further complex. The five main techniques frequently practiced are discussed below
Intaglio Printing In this technique, various tools (sharp needle, burin) or acid is used by an artist to etch depressions in such metals as copper, zinc and brass. The engraved lines are then inked, covered with a wet paper and passed through a press to achieve a final image. Through intaglio printing, a range of interesting effects can be achieved such as various depths patterns of lines (cross-hatched or parallel lines). Primary techniques of Intaglio printing are etching, aquatint, drypoint engraving.
Relief Printing This is the oldest form of printmaking. An image is printed from the raised portion of a material after the artist chisel out the portions he wishes to appear white using a sharp tool. The image formed in the final print is the result of raised areas being inked. These prints are characterized by bold dark and light contrasts. Chief techniques employed are woodcut, wood engraving linocut (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Screenprinting Screenprinting uses a stencil method to generate images. First the artist creates a screen by firmly affixing a piece fabric, to a sturdy wood or metal frame. Afterward, the artist uses materials such as glue, paper or film stencils to block out areas on the screen the areas left open will be printed using the common method (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Lithography This technique allows artists to produce images with a variety of tones, similar in appearance to charcoal painting. The artist employs an array of oily crayons to paint on limestone. The image is then transferred to a paper by the pressure of the lithographic press (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Monoprints Unlike other techniques for printmaking, an image can only be printed once in its original state. In this technique, an artist usually uses the ink to paint an image onto a smooth surface such as a metal plate. After that a dampened piece of paper is laid over the plate and passed through a press to create a unique print (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
The simple use of printmaking was found on the cave walls of prehistoric times (Eyeconart, 2009). This technique of printmaking was further adopted by ancient Sumerians around 500 BC. They used wet clay to engrave carved-out seals by pressing, to signify the ownership of goods. The invention of paper in China proved as a milestone in the development of printmaking. With the spread of papermaking technique from China, to the rest of the world, the art of printmaking also extended and technologically sophisticated.
Being formerly used as a form of communication, the printmaking soon started to help in dissemination of Buddhist manuscripts in the 8th century, by Japanese artists. Further, in 14th century, woodcut prints became a fashionable means to distribute religious images to the common people. The art of printmaking was flourishing at its full strength, in Europe and the United States in late 19th century (Eyeconart, 2009). Some of the leading artists who carried printmaking to new heights were Degas, Turner, Goya and Blake.
Printmaking afforded the creation of multiple prints of their art works. As the art of printmaking started to spread, new tools and techniques were adopted and the art became further complex. The five main techniques frequently practiced are discussed below
Intaglio Printing In this technique, various tools (sharp needle, burin) or acid is used by an artist to etch depressions in such metals as copper, zinc and brass. The engraved lines are then inked, covered with a wet paper and passed through a press to achieve a final image. Through intaglio printing, a range of interesting effects can be achieved such as various depths patterns of lines (cross-hatched or parallel lines). Primary techniques of Intaglio printing are etching, aquatint, drypoint engraving.
Relief Printing This is the oldest form of printmaking. An image is printed from the raised portion of a material after the artist chisel out the portions he wishes to appear white using a sharp tool. The image formed in the final print is the result of raised areas being inked. These prints are characterized by bold dark and light contrasts. Chief techniques employed are woodcut, wood engraving linocut (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Screenprinting Screenprinting uses a stencil method to generate images. First the artist creates a screen by firmly affixing a piece fabric, to a sturdy wood or metal frame. Afterward, the artist uses materials such as glue, paper or film stencils to block out areas on the screen the areas left open will be printed using the common method (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Lithography This technique allows artists to produce images with a variety of tones, similar in appearance to charcoal painting. The artist employs an array of oily crayons to paint on limestone. The image is then transferred to a paper by the pressure of the lithographic press (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
Monoprints Unlike other techniques for printmaking, an image can only be printed once in its original state. In this technique, an artist usually uses the ink to paint an image onto a smooth surface such as a metal plate. After that a dampened piece of paper is laid over the plate and passed through a press to create a unique print (Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2009).
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