Jess Giffin

Students are introduced to lithography through an exploration of stone lithography¿s characteristic dynamic range of direct drawn, painterly and graphic possibilities for image development. Emphasis is placed on gaining a thorough understanding of lithographic principles and printing processes. Class demonstrations and critiques are supported by consideration and discussion of contemporary and historic examples and a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago¿s print study room

This intermediate-advanced studio develops students' creative practice in print through an engagement with plate lithography's wide range of image-making possibilities. Students gain a comprehensive introduction to printing with aluminum plates, including color and multi-layer printing, with an emphasis on individual experimentation and the ways lithography can extend studio interests within a personal practice. The course is designed for students who wish to build on their lithography skills, as well as those without prior experience who want to expand a portfolio rooted in other printmedia areas, such as screen, relief, etching, or offset.
The first half of the semester builds technical skills through demonstrations and two assigned projects focused on multilayer and color printing on aluminum plates. In the second half, students develop self-directed projects from a short written proposal, with the option to propose a stone project for those with prior stone experience.
Demonstrations and discussions cover plate-based techniques, including hand-drawn, digital, and photo-based methods, layering, multi-color printing, advanced registration, CMYK, duotone, alternative plates (such as pronto plates), and the production of editions, multiples, and alternative formats.
Examples of contemporary and historical lithographs, short readings, and a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings Collection support discussion and project development. Students can expect to complete three to five finished pieces and participate in two critiques.

This interdisciplinary studio class investigates the intersection of printmedia, artists¿ multiples and packaging as an entry point into making and thinking about multiples as a format for studio production. The history of artists¿ multiples (loosely defined as small-scale editioned or multiply produced three-dimensional works) includes many examples that use, or appropriate, printed elements and packaging in some way. This history, along with our daily experience of packaging (the many boxes, folders, labels, pamphlets, flyers and cartons found in nearly every aspect of contemporary life) offers a wealth of connections to consider and work from.
Students will be introduced to a range of printing and paper construction techniques within the Printmedia studio. These include hand-drawn and digital plate lithography, pattern layout and construction for packaging along with other selected tools and techniques.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to use SAIC labs such as the Service Bureau and digital fabrication centers. Examples of multiples, short readings, and a visit to the Joan Flasch or other related collections will support project development and discussion.
Students can expect to complete three to four projects and participate in two critiques.

This interdisciplinary studio class investigates the intersection of printmedia, artists¿ multiples and packaging as an entry point into making and thinking about multiples as a format for studio production. The history of artists¿ multiples (loosely defined as small-scale editioned or multiply produced three-dimensional works) includes many examples that use, or appropriate, printed elements and packaging in some way. This history, along with our daily experience of packaging (the many boxes, folders, labels, pamphlets, flyers and cartons found in nearly every aspect of contemporary life) offers a wealth of connections to consider and work from.
Students will be introduced to a range of printing and paper construction techniques within the Printmedia studio. These include hand-drawn and digital plate lithography, pattern layout and construction for packaging along with other selected tools and techniques.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to use SAIC labs such as the Service Bureau and digital fabrication centers. Examples of multiples, short readings, and a visit to the Joan Flasch or other related collections will support project development and discussion.
Students can expect to complete three to four projects and participate in two critiques.