Printmaking at ASU leaves indelible mark
In 2008, the printmaking program at ASU was ranked seventh overall by U.S. News & World Report. Housed in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, the program is among the nation’s best because of its skillful and innovative approach to a centuries-old practice. Here, Professor Dan Britton demonstrates a technique to students Zach York (left) and David Beyer in his graduate lithography class.
ASU’s printmaking program exposes students to traditional forms of printmaking, including lithography, intaglio, relief and screen-printing. Lauren Yanez, a drawing major from Mesa, draws directly on a slab of stone which is used to make lithographs.
Book arts is another focus of the printmaking program, which is home to Pyracantha Press, a production and research imprint for the book arts program. Pictured are samples of handbound books.
Like anything else, traditional printmaking has been enhanced by the advent of digital technology, and digital processes encompass another focus area for students. Johnna West, a junior painting major, and Alex Clauss, an intermedia senior (facing camera) work on projects in Mary Hood's “Digital Process for Printmaking” class.
Photography, painting and drawing, film and creative writing also are part of the process, as students are encouraged to collaborate with other disciplines inside and outside the program. Dayna Bartoli, senior photography major, uses 18-point Bernhard Modern in setting the type for a handmade book.
Graduates of the program teach in schools, direct presses and administer programs. Graduate student Laura Brown works on the letterpress printing with polymer plates.
Dan Mayer, an instructional specialist, examines a freshly printed sheet and discusses it with Laura Brown as the graduate student works on setting up her print.
Anastacia Deligiannis, a junior printmaking major, works on a three-color screen-printing project in Professor Kathryn Maxwell's class. Maxwell teaches advanced screen-printing and classes in ceramics and printmaking.
Professor John Risseeuw examines Jacob Meders’ handmade book on the Ishi Bird. The project is a 12-page volume – a quarto plus a folio – drawn, written, designed, typeset, printed and bound by the MFA printmaking student.
While famously small, the program has managed to serve a diverse array of interests, including photogravure and papermaking. Genna Colburn, a drawing major, works on the letterpress printing with polymer plates.
Expert faculty members teach classes in spacious studios, equipped to offer a complete range of print media. Pictured: Doug Redo, junior printmaking major.
Although collaboration is encouraged, individuality in terms of style, quality and approach are emphasized above all. Pictured: Allison Patera, junior printmaking major.