It is a commonplace: ' you have to know the rules in order to break the rules '. In visual art, 'the rules' are the historical traditions and conventions of an artistic medium. Breaking 'the rules' means intelligently and strategically bending and breaking with those traditions and conventions in innovative ways. The history, craft and technique of intaglio printmaking provide rich arenas in which to explore tradition and innovations in 21st century image-making. The fall quarter of the program will focus intensively on seminar readings exploring the history and traditions of print and printmaking: it's early alliances with religious devotion, the Protestant Reformation, the scientific revolution. While focusing on printmaking history, students will practice traditional intaglio techniques including engraving, line etching and aquatint, through responses to weekly studio assignments. In winter quarter, students will have the opportunity to develop a series of thematically-linked images that implement and/or disrupt (break) the 'rules' of printmaking conventions. The winter quarter will emphasize research and artistic practice, image-making as a form of intellectual inquiry, and the development of professional presentation skills for articulating one's artistic work.

Printmaking is a remarkably rich and flexible medium with strong political roots. It is also technically rigorous.  Students who are comfortable making detailed technical notes, following sequential processes, observing safety protocols, and withstanding the physical demands of artistic work, are encouraged to enroll. ; Students who are new to studio art, or have considerable experience with other artistic practices are welcome. Drawing skills are optional.