Lesson One

Printmaking Press for Monotypes, and Relief Prints

Silkscreen Press for Tee-Shirts

Project: Students will make Tee-shirts through the silkscreen printmaking process. Students will also create prints using the printing press and will use one of three methods to create their print: Collographs, relief prints (lino or wood, whichever they prefer), or transfers. Students will develop concepts and ideas for Tee-Shirts and Prints through the various mediums of printmaking. They will follow the basic elements and principles of design. Total direction and guidance will be given by the teacher, and total supervision will be maintained at all times when using the press. Student images will be created on Tee-Shirts and Prints, and will consist of messages to the community, and images that correspond to the community. Tee-Shirts and Prints will be for sale at the upcoming Community Parade/BBQ/Fund Raiser.

Eduring Ideas: Provide a voice for the students in the community, and enhance self-exploration. Integrate students and their arts into the community.

Essential Questions: How can messages and images created allow communities to find their voice and identity, inspire and educate the community? How can art serve as a transformative tool in the community?

Activities: Students will first start by exlporing various design elements and Printmaking artists of the past and today. They will design a tee-shirt that delivers a community message or image and print it on the silkscreen press. Students will also expolre one method of printing from the three choices: collograph, relief, or transfers. The students who choose the medium of refief printing and will create one relief print (lino or wood-cut). Students who choose collographs will also be responsible for one collograph print. If transfers are chosen the students will have to create two prints derived from transfers. Students will be responsible for all design aspects, mixing, and printing the tee-shirts and prints. Printing on the press will take teamwork and a positive attitude. After printing students will have a critique and self-examination of the work, and discuss ideas they had about the project, and the hopes they have for the messages that they are wanting to convey. Students will also provide an artist statement along with artists they studied to accomplish their projects. Artists and Resources are listed at the bottom of the blog.

Assessment: How well did the student convey his or her message? How well did they preform in the printing aspect of the assignment? Were prints neat and printed correctly? Are the tee-shirts printed correctly, and do they also convey a message to the community? Are the images selected appropriate and aesthetically pleasing? Was the student well behaved and a team player in the printing process.

Reflection: I feel this lesson is important because it gives the students a voice, and allows them to explore the area of printmaking. Many students do not get the opportunity to make prints untill college, and I want printmaking to continue to be an important aspect of the arts. The lesson also gives the students a voice and lets them communicate with the community and create a social dialogue. I feel tee-shirts are a underestimated medium, and can be seen by thousands of people. Artwork and messages on shirts are moving alot of the time, going from place to place and can deliver the students message to a wide audience. Together the prints serve as a moving gallery, with many people being influenced.