Monotype Meets Riso - With Peter Hinrichs
In March, we had the pleasure of hosting an exciting workshop that combined two printing techniques: monotype and riso.
Our guest teacher, Peter Hinrichs, joined us to lead this two-day workshop. This idea came to us last summer while I was teaching at Blumendorf in Germany, where Peter also has his work space. We both wanted to explore the possibilities of printmaking by combining monotype and riso printing techniques.
The goal was to create original pieces with monotype and then scan them to print with the bright and bold colours of the riso. The workshop was designed to invite participants to step out of their comfort zones and experiment with ink!
What is monotype printing?
Monotype printing is a type of printmaking process where a unique image is created by applying ink to a smooth plate, in this case silicone plate, and then transferring the ink to a piece of paper using a printing press. During our workshop we used stencils or cut out shapes to create compositions which was then printed by hand on paper. Since each plate is unique, the resulting prints are also one-of-a-kind. Monotype printing allows for a great deal of experimentation and spontaneity, making it a perfect match to riso printing.
The theme of the workshop was underwater creatures, and we provided a variety of already cut stencils to inspire the participants. We encouraged everyone to explore their own creativity and interpretations of the theme. To make the workshop more accessible, we set it up so that participants could easily work with materials they already had at home. We wanted to remove any barriers that might prevent someone from trying out printmaking for the first time. This approach allowed everyone to experiment with ink and see the possibilities of combining monotype and riso printing. The results were stunning, and it was wonderful to see how each participant's unique style and ideas came to life through the printing process.
On the second day of the workshop, we met on Saturday to use the monotype prints created on day one to create new riso prints. We scanned the monotype prints and then used a software to overlay them together. This technique allowed us to experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques. The results were stunning, and each participant's unique style and approach to printmaking was reflected in their final piece. By combining two printing techniques, the participants were able to explore the creative possibilities of printmaking and take their skills to the next level. It was a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we hope to offer more workshops like this in the future!
