Materials

Screenprinting equipment is durable and reusable. The Art and Art History department provide all of the essential equipment needed for this course. When cared for, most of this equipment will last for years. The equipment and materials simply need to be kept clean so that you can consistently use them at the highest level and maintain their good order. When the materials and tools are not cleaned after use, dried, and stored, they will quickly degrade. That would make them unable, and in turn, this will affect your working process because there will be fewer tools to use. Please make sure you plan time to clean in your printing sessions. I will demonstrate how to care for the various tools as the course progresses.

Screenprinting supplies differ from equipment in that they are consumables. Basic supplies include paper, ink, tape(s), emulsion, screen chemicals, and mylar. The Art & Art History department provides you with the materials needed for this course. In artmaking, there is always a good degree of latitude regarding the materials that can be used. This is also true for screenprinting, despite its defined processes. If there are custom items you wish to use in your work, that is absolutely fine, and I can advise about those choices. Unless we have any of the non-standard items in the department, you may be responsible for providing them. More information on specific supplies below.

Sketchbook:
Students will purchase a sketchbook for use in this course. Any type of paper sketchbook you prefer to use will be fine – my suggestion is to look for one that has mixed media (bristol) quality paper. The sketchbook should be used both for creative research and for note-taking while engaged in your community service work.

Drawing tools:
Pencils and other basic tools are provided. However, specialist pencils/pens, drawing inks or paints are items students will need to buy.

Xacto knife & blades:
This is an essential tool for your progress through this course. The department provides knives and blades for your use in the course. There are a wide range of tool sin this category, specialist tools can be purchased separately.

Mixing tools/containers:
Mixing containers are an essential tool. You will gain proficiency in mixing ink to the desired transparency and hue by using them. Mixing containers usually have lids so that you can store and reuse those colours next time you print. This can be very important when a precise colour is mixed. Saving the colour will save time and enable the continuation of the print with the same colour profile seamlessly. Containers need to be air-tight and stored in a cool dry place. The department provides these, but students can also bring their own – it is not necessary for students to buy the costliest version of these; you can use yoghurt containers, jam jars, etc and they work just as well.

Ink & Paper:
Students are provided with standard inks and papers but will be required to buy any special inks/papers they wish to use (and the range of possibilities is almost endless.)