Printing Master class

Date: Friday 11th August 
Time: 10am – 3pm

Workshop outline

Join us for a very special masterclass with Elisabeth Cummings and Michael Kempson in celebration of the current exhibition Elisabeth Cummings: From a Well Deep Within.

About the exhibition
‘Elisabeth Cummings: From a Well Deep Within’ celebrates the rich and intuitive print practice of renowned Australian artist Elisabeth Cummings. Recognised as one of Australia’s preeminent painters, the exhibition looks at Cummings’ expansion into printmaking over a 20-year period (2001-2023).

Brought together through conversations with Curatorial Advisor, Michael Kempson – the artist’s longtime collaborator, master printer and founder of Cicada Press – the exhibition presents a rich collection of etchings and monotypes. It also includes Cummings’ early experiments in printmaking at East Sydney Tech (National Art School), working with artist and master printer, Diana Davidson from Whaling Road Studio.

The Masterclass

Session 1: Printing From Plates  2.5 hours

involves discussion and a practical activity relating to the techniques applied in creating Elisabeth’s etchings. The workshop facility is not equipped for the traditional acid/zinc plate approach so resolved examples of Elisabeth’s plates will be used in this activity. Participants will have the opportunity to ink and proof some of Elisabeth’s plates to understand the printing process of intaglio image making. Preparing for Session 2 will conclude this session.

Lunch: Cheese platter and sandwiches + tea and coffee

Session 2: Monotype Printing 2.5 hours

 involves discussion and a practical activity relating to the technique of watercolour monotype used by Elisabeth at Cicada Press. All participants will have the opportunity to create at least one image using this process. Elisabeth will be in attendance for this session and will create an image. It is recommended that you develop an idea for your image prior to the workshop or research and bring potential visual content to be applied. Elisabeth will be available to discuss her work and offer advice. 

Materials provided - please bring any watercolours and paintbrushes from your own collection if you would like.