Aimed at those who have no, or exceptionally little, previous linocutting experience, you will be introduced to the medium of lino, starting with exploring the textures and marks that can be created on the surface, using both traditional cutting tools and a selection of unusual, non-traditional items. You will be encouraged to understand that lino can be an exceptionally fluid and responsive medium, alongside its more traditional graphic role.
You will work on traditional hessian backed lino, made from linseed oil and cork, as this offers the artist a greater range of mark-making options. For those with any strength difficulties when cutting the lino, a softer vinyl alternative is available, but this may restrict some of the marks you will explore. You will work in black to start with to establish your individual language, and then you will move on to basic colour work to allow a glimpse into the understanding and potential of layering.
By the end of the course, you should be equipped with enough information to confidently explore the medium in your own time, safely and expressively. The course will illustrate how lino need not just be for graphic arts, but can be incredibly flowing and intuitive, and has the potential to be both delicate and bold.