Photogravure questions

reggie · Aug 29, 2007

Mateo said:
Hey if money is no object, check these out Dead Link Removed

and while you're at it get me one too but you better order soon or we won't have them in time for next summer.

Do you think the smaller table top (400lb is 'tabletop'??) printers are sufficient for photogravure or would I have to go for one of their intaglio presses? Other than the difference in plate sizes that they can accomodate, is printing pressure the other main variable?

I have a book coming (the on on copper photogravure), so hopefully that will teach me a lot about the process. I defenitely think a workshop (or two) where I cam make some of my own would help me decide if this is something I would be able to commit to.

Thanks.

-R

reggie · Aug 29, 2007

donbga said:
These links may help:

http://www.jgoodgravure.com/

http://www.renaissancepress.com/

http://www.newgroundsprintshop.com/phiclass.htm

Dead Link Removed

Thanks. The http://www.newgroundsprintshop.com/phiclass.htm link was especially helpful. They are pretty inexpensive workshops. If I can't find any classes nearby, I'll take a trip down there.

-R

reggie · Aug 29, 2007

Here is a link to a very nice discussion of the press, it's design & construction, buying used ones - a whole lot of useful info.

http://www.worldprintmakers.com/torculo/etchpres.htm

Another link selling 3 different size presses, including the one shown in the article above.

Dead Link Removed

-R

Mateo · Aug 29, 2007

hey Reggie,

etching is a type of intaglio printing, so an etching press is what you're looking for. They're not normally refered to as intaglio presses. I would recommend a printmaking class that includes any of the intaglio processes in addition to the photogravure workshop. Photogravure is a combo of two different crafts and learning a good honest wipe (the way the ink is removed from the plate right before it gets the squeeze with the paper) is not something most people learn in a weekend.

reggie · Aug 30, 2007

Mateo said:
hey Reggie,

etching is a type of intaglio printing, so an etching press is what you're looking for. They're not normally refered to as intaglio presses. I would recommend a printmaking class that includes any of the intaglio processes in addition to the photogravure workshop. Photogravure is a combo of two different crafts and learning a good honest wipe (the way the ink is removed from the plate right before it gets the squeeze with the paper) is not something most people learn in a weekend.

I have been Googling for photogravure workshops, but can't find anything special. Do you (or any for that matter) know of any places offering these types of classes? I found a real nice one in Australia.....I'm willing to travel, but would prefer something on the west coast.

Thanks.

-R

reggie · Aug 30, 2007

I see that the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snomass, CO offered a copperplate photogravure workshop this summer. They offer other printmaking workshops including color intaglio. I sent them an e-mail asking if they plan on offering the photogravure class next year.

-R

reggie · Sep 5, 2007

I have found an arts center in Seattle that has a printing press room and they offer assorted classes. They do not offer photogravure classes, but they said I should be able to arrange a private lesson with one of their master printers. They don't make copper plates there, but I could make them at home and bring them in. The instructor could critique them and teach me to print them on the presses. They have a lot of floor presses and in addition to classes they offer rental and 24x7 access to the facilities. Rental, for a 6-month contract is only $100 a month! Class prices are very inexpensive, too.

I will post some more info when I hear about the private class possibilities. Here is their web-site:

http://www.sevshoon.com/

-R

reggie · Sep 5, 2007

Does anyone know of a master photogravure printer that either offers workshops or private lessons?

Thanks.

-R

Michael Mutmansky · Sep 5, 2007

Jon Goodman. Easily one of the best. He has done a workshop in the summer the past couple of years.

His website is referenced above.

---Michael

reggie · Sep 6, 2007

Michael Mutmansky said:
Jon Goodman. Easily one of the best. He has done a workshop in the summer the past couple of years.

His website is referenced above.

---Michael

Thanks. I e-mailed him to see what he offers in the way or workshops\private instruction. I'll pass the info along if there is anything worth sharing.

-R

reggie · Sep 6, 2007

Jon said he just finished a workshop this summer. He does not know when he will offer another one (perhaps next summer, but he didn't commit). He didn't tell me if he offered private instruction or not.

-R

reggie · Sep 20, 2007

I am still working on making my first plate. It is a pretty complicated, multi-step process. It requires a lot of materials, supplies and dedicated equipment that I don't have on hand so I'm having to buy a lot of stuff. I just ordered some AutoType 35 gelatin pigment paper. I chose to buy a roll rather than making my own for now. I found out B&S sells sheets that they make themselves. Has anyone used it? Is there any difference between home made vs. commercial quality? It's just gelatin with pigment added and laid down on a paper support. What could possibly go wrong<g>.

I wish I had a blog where I could record the process that I'm going thru. Others may find it useful.

Everytime I look at the 2 photogravures I have at home I get renewed energy to keep this up. The difficulty of the process and my short attention span make for a slow learning process...

-R

Photogravure questions

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