1st graders got a taste of printmaking!  We looked at a print called “New Walk Museum” by an artist named Sarah Kirby.  We talked about the lines, shapes and textures that were in her print.  Then we talked about how artists create numbered editions of prints using a print block, ink, brayer and paper.  Students then created a design of their choice and used Styrofoam and a stylus to create a print block of their own.  We printed by rolling the ink until it hissed, rolling ink onto our printing plates, putting the paper ON TOP of the plate (We aren’t stamping- we’re printing- so paper goes on top!!)  and then we held with one hand and rubbed with the other to transfer the ink onto the paper.  When we pulled the paper off of the block-  MAGIC!  we had our prints!  Students made an edition of 3 prints that are signed, numbered and mounted for the art show!

Printmaking is hard work, and there a lot of variables to control.  Print blocks must be pressed deep enough so that when ink is applied the design still shows.  If you use too much ink, it will fill in the design. If you use too little ink, your print will be light.  If you don’t hold your paper and rub, the ink will smear. If you put the block on top of the paper instead of the other way, your print won’t transfer.  I’m just saying…..the kids did REALLY REALLY well!!  Not every print was perfect, but hands were inky and smiles were on faces!  🙂  I saw a lot of resilience in your students as they tried to problem solve and figure out why they got the results they did, and decided how to fix it.  It was an exciting day of learning in the art room!