ONSITE: Introduction to Etching for Printmaking

This class will be an introduction to intaglio printing, or etching. Students will learn drypoint, hardground, and soft ground etching techniques, as well as the proper way to ink and print intaglio plates. They will leave class with at least two sets of intaglio prints and the knowledge of how to operate and print on an etching press. The first three weeks will be an introduction to these techniques, and the last three will be used to make individual projects that display the skills learned.

Special Notes

• This class does not meet on 7/20.
  This class will work with a low grade acid, it is not harmful but those with sensitive skin should take care to use gloves and extra protection. All proper safety precautions will be used in class.
  
  
  
  Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
  This is an On-site course. Students must follow current Covid-19 protocols, as outlined on our website. On-site courses do not come with studio access outside of class time. Paid open studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.

About the Instructor

Amelia Rafle

Amelia Rafle is an American printmaker from Richmond, Virginia. She received her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 and her MFA in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in 2023. She has exhibited work in both the United States and Ireland, received grants to study human impact on birds, and her work was commended in the 2023 World Wildlife Fund Climate Creatives Challenge. Strongly rooted in scientific research, Amelia uses an expanded printmaking process to communicate information regarding the climate crisis through visual imagery that is accessible and engaging to the viewer. A love of birds is also prevalent throughout her work, making use of bird imagery to symbolize how human activity affects both the human and more than human worlds. Rafle views birds as an indicator of the looming effects of the climate crisis, and explores their relationship to humans through migration patterns and cultural symbolism.

Social Media: @birdhouseprint

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