Lesson Five: Making Art That Matters (Printmaking Option)

LESSON OVERVIEW: Students plan and execute a relief print that attempts to protest or persuade. They focus on effective definition of shape, use of symbols, and impact on their intended viewers. OBJECTIVES: 1. Students learn that relief prints reverse the image from the block to the print. (Students must take care in reversing any letters or words as they plan their block.) 2. Students learn how to plan a print that protests a situation or attempts to persuade its viewers to the students' beliefs. 3. Students learn how to execute the steps in a relief printmaking technique (linoleum block, cardboard relief, or woodcut). 4. Students learn how to use symbols to communicate ideas to their viewers. 5. Students learn how to define shapes within a print. 6. Students learn how to use negative, as well as positive shapes, effectively in their prints. 7. Students learn how to formulate and share responses to classmates' artwork. PREPARATION: In preparation for class, make your own sample. It is advisable to plan the image in advance, remembering to focus on shape and remembering that letters and words will print in reverse. You can transfer a preliminary sketch onto a linoleum block by tracing the shapes of the sketch onto tracing paper, turning the tracing paper over, placing a sheet of carbon paper between the block and the tracing paper, and finally tracing over the outlines. Prepare the block by removing areas not to be printed (or with cardboard, by gluing raised areas to a flat base. Coat the entire cardboard "block " with

watered down white glue to seal the surface.). Place a small amount of ink on a palette and spread ink evenly over the brayer (roller) by rolling it on the palette. Next ink the block by rolling the inked brayer over its surface. Place a sheet of paper over the inked block. Apply pressure (with a press, using a wooden spoon, or by applying weight, such as a stack of books) to transfer ink to the paper. Carefully pull off the print. Expect some texture in printed areas.

Each student will identify an issue about which he or she is concerned and develop both a print and a statement to express his or her position.
"Smoking causes so many diseases and can lead to an early death. We need to teach people not to start smoking." "People should not have the power and authority to end people's lives. Ban the death penalty."

"Some people are looking for a way to escape reality but using drugs will only make their problems worse."

"If all the immigrants are taken out of the country, we will not have anybody to pick crops."