BIG INK is a multi-artist exhibition/workshop, slated for the month of September, at the Northampton Center for the Art's East Gallery.  This exhibit will showcase the large woodcuts of Lyell Castonguay, Eben Kling, Chris Millette, and Ali Osborn.  Through partial funding provided the Northampton Arts Council, and technical support provided by Zea Mays Printmaking and Gravity Press Experimental Print Shop, a woodcut workshop will be held at Pulaski Park in Northampton on Arts Night Out September 14th from 4-8pm.  At this workshop we will ink and hand print three newly carved woodcuts by invited guest artists Bill Cass, Ernie Montenegro, and Ned Roche/Cait Guinta.  Additionally, we are accepting proposals from individuals or artist groups interested in participating in the workshop. BIG INK provides the opportunity to learn how to hand print woodcuts up to 4 ft x 8 ft in dimension.  It is best to apply early--we have a limited number of slots available.

 

You must provide these materials if you are chosen:

• Your own board-- 1/2" MDF (easy to carve), 1/2" Cabinet Grade Pine (awesome grain), or 1/2" Birch Plywood (really fine details) are some suggestions
• Carving Tools -- Flexcut Tools or McClain's Namisei Moku Hanga To Set
• Paper -- Your preference Mulberry, Masa, or Muslin fabric are good choices, just make sure it will cover the whole block

• Akua Water-Based Black Relief Ink
• Oversized printing rollers and roll out slabs
• Cleaning Supplies
• Tables
• Technical Assistance

Your presence at the event the whole day of Sept 14th is required.  This includes helping us set up and take down the workshop at the conclusion of the day.

1. Your name, address, phone number, email, and website/blog

2. A brief description of print that you would like to make, including the anticipated dimensions of the block. Your proposal must be at least 3ft x 4ft.

3. Do you consider yourself a hands-on down and dirty type of person?  

4. Why woodcut and why at this point in your artistic career?

4. What direct or indirect benefits do you anticipate gaining from this opportunity?  

5. Do you consider your proposed subject and the woodcut process to be a one time experience?

4. The JPEGS you submit are critical.  One or two sketches, photographs, collages or whatever is better than a group of vague material.

Be concise and to the point, this allows us to visualize your idea.  This proposal is about quality not quantity.  A clear concept and well presented JPEGS will be the ultimate deciding factors.

Please email your proposals to Lyell Castonguay at lyellcastonguay at gmail dot com with BIG INK 2012 as the subject line.  Include the entire proposal in the body of the email, don't send text based attachments.  Label your JPEGS as yourlastname_sketch1.jpg

Proposals will be accepted until than July 28th, no exceptions.  If your proposal is accepted, your block must be carved and ready to print by September 14th.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.