Student Showcase

Student Work

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Printmaking in Studio Arts

The undergraduate and graduate programs in printmaking emphasize both theory and practice in the production, history, and teaching of the visual arts through the print media.

Students may participate in internship or apprenticeship practices, such as a directed teaching experience or work in a professional area of student interest. Further, the exhibition and demonstration of a student's competency and intellectual maturity are requirements for graduation.

Students will be expected to demonstrate artistic proficiency in printmaking, as they are encouraged to explore conceptual directions in other media. The printmaking faculty is committed to individual artistic development and we direct our teaching methodology toward nurturing artists who learn to explore personal experiences, studies, and directions in their work. The faculty believes in providing facilities, environment, and experiences that will encourage the students' artistic development.

Visiting artists with diverse artistic backgrounds interact with the students through individual and group critiques, lectures, demonstrations, publishing, and research print projects. These interactions occur in the printmaking studios, individual student studios, and Normal Editions Workshop (see below).

Intaglio

The intaglio studio has substantial space and equipment for experimental work as well as traditional approaches for copper and zinc etching, photo etching (using solar plates and Image-on film), monotype, and relief printing.

approximately 2,500 square feet with two ventilation hoods
a good selection of inks and large rollers
five etching presses: 36" x 62" and 16" x 30" Brand presses; 43" x 84", 25" x 48", and 18" x 36" Takach presses
complete etching and aquatint facilities, adequate storage, and many glass-covered printing stations

Lithography

The lithography studio has substantial space and equipment for experimental work as well as traditional approaches for stone and plate lithography, photo lithography (positive working plates), monotype, letterpress, and digital printing.

approximately 2,500 square feet with ventilation at each lithography press and a separate processing area
four presses: 36" x 48" Brand lithography press; two 34" x 60" Takach lithography presses; and 18" x 24" Vandercook Letterpress
more than 150 lithographic stones available, ranging in sizes from 9" x 12" to 30" x 40", and several plate bases
4' x 18' graining sink and four levigators
good selection of small and large diameter rollers, leather rollers, and a wide variety of color inks

Printmaking's Digital and Photo Resources

In addition, an array of digital and photo equipment is available in the printmaking studios.

three printers: Epson Stylus Pro 9890 printer (44" maximum printing width), Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printer (17" maximum printing width), HP Laserjet 5200 printer (for plate making)
MacBook Pro laptop computer, external monitor, Epson PowerLite 1810 projector, and Epson Expression 10000 XL scanner (with a 12" X 17" bed)
33" x 42" Nu Arc vacuum frame

Normal Editions Workshop

Normal Editions Workshop (NEW) is a non-profit printmaking workshop and research facility founded in Illinois State University in September 1976. This is an enrichment program for the education of our students. It augments the educational goals of the University and providing:

students an opportunity to work with and observe visiting artists within a professional workshop situation
works of art for study collections and traveling exhibitions to promote visual dialogue among a variety of audiences
custom printing services for artists throughout the United States (Kiki Smith, David Wojnarowicz, Arturo Herrera, Julia Fish, Sidney Goodman, Keith Jacobshagen, Donald Lipski, Dennis Oppenheim, Rudy Pozzatti, Richard Rezac, John Himmelfarb, Hector Duarte, Rodney Carswell, and others)
advanced printmaking students the opportunity to participate in the NEW special projects class in addition to the Graduate Assistantship for NEW

NEW has a 34" x 60" Takach motorized lithography press, preparation and printing areas, office space, print storage files, and a general work area next to the lithography studio.

Curriculum

The undergraduate curriculum consists of:

245 Intaglio I
- This beginning level printmaking course is an introduction to intaglio processes. Techniques include etching, engraving, dry point, and aquatint within the context of pictorial spatial understanding.
246 Lithography I
- This beginning level printmaking course is an introduction to lithographic processes. Techniques on stone and aluminum plates with airbrush, crayon, and tusche drawing within a context of pictorial spatial understanding.
345 Intaglio II
- This advanced level printmaking course is a further study of intaglio processes with greater emphasis on intaglio as an expressive medium with an introduction to color possibilities. (may be repeated)
346 Lithography II
- This advanced level printmaking course is a further study of lithography processes with greater emphasis on intaglio as an expressive medium with an introduction to color possibilities. (may be repeated)
347 Advanced Printmaking
- Advanced study of printmaking, emphasizing contemporary issues related to content, directions in printmaking and exploration of all print media in a team-taught setting with visiting artist and professional practice components. (may be repeated)

There are also independent study and special problems course opportunities available.

The problems presented in these courses range from very traditional techniques in the first few courses to a wide range of personal and contemporary exploration in the advanced courses. A wide variety of media are used in all of the courses.

The BFA studios are located in the Center for Visual Arts building, the main building for the School of Art. The Graduate Studio Building is located off campus in the Bloomington Cultural District, and it was created for all of the MFA students in the School of Art. This space has electric tools, a wood shop, and two large rooms set aside for installations and critique spaces. This situation allows the 2D and 3D students to interact with each other and the faculty.

Faculty

Richard D. Finch Professor of Art and Director of NEW (teaches drawing) MFA, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 1976
Morgan Price Instructional Assistant Professor (Teaches Lithography) MFA, Wichita State University, 2005 BFA, University of Denver 2001
Sarah Smelser Associate Professor of Art (teaches Intaglio) MFA, University of Iowa, 1997 MA, University of Iowa, 1996
Veda Rives Associate Director Normal Editions Workshop MA, Illinois State University, 1992 BFA, Illinois Wesleyan University, 1981

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