Visual Arts Brampton
Relief or Block Printing

Part of The Printmaking Process

A special section, in partnership with the Art Gallery of Peel, part of Brampton's Peel Heritage Complex.

Relief Printing (Linoleum and Wood Cuts) is an old printing technique first used with wood and stone. Relief printing consists of carving and cutting areas of the printing matrix-wood, linoleum or stone - leaving a raised relief image.

The relief image is covered with ink which is applied in a thin coat with a roller. Paper is placed upon the inked matrix and the block is then printed using either a printing press or a hand printer.

Woodcuts
A woodcut is an impression made by inking a picture that has been cut on a flat surface of wood and pressing it on paper. The raised surface of the wood creates the image. The contours are usually angular and, if the picture is in black and white, the colour contrast is crisp. The grain and rings in the wood often spur on creativity, but the hardness of the medium often limits its sensitivity.

The woodcut is the most ancient of printing processes, appearing in Europe at the end of the fourteenth century. Towards the end of the middle ages broad sectors of the populace experienced an awakening interest in pictures and the acquisition of pictorial decorations. Woodcuts were sold in the markets and pasted on walls and doors, much as posters are used today.

Along with the practical use of woodcuts as a means of mass communication, emerged the more refined artistry of individual creative artists. The increased demand for their work led to the practice of employing technicians to execute the cutting and printing of patterns, the artists then producing only the designs.

Linoleum Printing (Linoblock)
Linoleum is composed of burlap coated with a heavy layer of linoxyn, which is made of polymerized oil mixed with ground cork and pigments. If desired, it may be mounted or purchased ready mounted on wooden blocks so that it may be taken by the printing press.