AIC's 52nd Annual Meeting

Registration required - add this session to your Annual Meeting registration
$330 registration fee; maximum 10 registrants

Conservation professionals often focus on detailed artistic process, especially when it comes to printmaking, as it is valuable to the context of the artist and the work of art. Often conservators are responsible for the technical identification of prints without having extensive hands-on printmaking experience themselves. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to be involved in every step of the lift ground etching process, from image formation to printing.

Conservation professionals will be introduced to the basics of etching and the more advanced ground lift techniques (e.g. sugarlift, soap ground, aquatint). Lift ground was invented in the 17th century, was resurrected in the 19th century, and is still used to make images today. The workshop consists primarily of hands-on printing activities but will also include lectures on history and technique. Participants will assemble resources throughout the workshop from a combination of lecture slides, notes, printing materials (plates and prints), and other useful references. This will allow participants to walk away with a strong understanding of the technique and have invaluable resources at their fingertips when returning to work. No prior printmaking experience necessary.

Participants will gain an understanding of the:

• Basics of etching
• History of lift ground etching (developments and use over time)
• Different types of lift grounds
• Creation of a lift ground image (variety of techniques and gain a sensitivity to materials)
• Preparation (aquatint) and etching of the plate
• Printing of an intaglio plate (including troubleshooting)

Some attention will be given to identifying the characteristics of lift ground etchings.