POSTCARDS from Lake ISEO
On August 13, we launched a linocut workshop in collaboration with the 'Il Segno Tipografico' museum. The workshop aimed to empower tourists and residents alike to transform their experiences of Lake Iseo and the nearby Val Camonica into handmade postcards.
Two mixed groups of approximately 10 people took part in the experience, with each workshop lasting three hours. Participants were first introduced to intaglio printing with a brief theoretical and practical explanation. They could then choose to work with linoleum plates for intaglio printing or use LEGO® for modular relief printing.
During the communal drawing session, each visitor created a visual design using either a handmade drawing, a stencil or LEGO® bricks. Each design was then simplified and transferred onto a linoleum or LEGO® plate.
After carving or building with LEGO®, each plate was tested and perfected. A colour palette consisting of four different colours was prepared in advance. Participants could choose their own colour combinations and were shown how to mix colours and ink a plate using an ink roller.
Two machines were used during the workshop - the Tipographic press - functioning iron printing press with a "platina" printing system. (1848) used to print images & The Linotype model “Italtype Alfa,” with a single type case (built in Milan around the 1960s) used for lettering.
Each participant obtained a limited edition of hand-made postcards with bright, gorgeous colours on 250 gsm Fabriano Unica paper.
'Postcards from Lake Iseo' is a format comprising various printing workshops that aim to transform personal experiences into unique images.
Teachers - Stefano Grassi, Illustrator and Printmaker & Marino Andreoli, Chief Printmaker at 'Il segno Tipografico' museo della stampa Lodovico Pavoni