Woodcuts
Printmaking is an artistic process in which a motif is reproduced using a printing form. Depending on the method—such as relief printing (e.g., woodcut), intaglio printing (e.g., etching), planographic printing (e.g., lithography), or screen printing—different structures and forms of expression emerge. Artists use this technique to experiment with line, surface, and texture. Often, multiple plates or colors are used, which can result in complex, multi-layered images.
How is a woodcut created?
The image motif is carved into a wooden plate (=printing block) in relief. The plate is then inked. A roller is used to spread the ink evenly over the wood relief. In the illustration, the sheet to be printed is stretched over the printing press. A rolling mill i used to transfer the ink from the printing block to the sheet. The result is a mirror-inverted image. The ink could also be applied manually by placing the sheet directly on the printing block.
