WHAT's PRINTMAKING ??

Printmaking is the process of making artworks by printing.

WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING
Woodblock printing is one of the oldest form of printmaking. It is generally categorized as relief printing with the basic principle of creating an image from the raised surface of a piece of woodblock. 

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Diff. Types of Woodblocks:

• Woodcut

A rip-cut is to sever or divide a piece of wood parallel to the grain. In Hong Kong, the most easily found rip cut blocks are Tilia plywood and Japanese Bigleaf Magnolia. 

Craving
Basically all craving tools can be used for woodcut. 

Ink / Printing
Both oil-based or water-based ink are suitable. With
a block inked and a piece of paper laid over, a print is then finished by either rubbing the paper by hard, smooth object like Baren or by press. 

typical knives set for woodcut
(with diff. shapes of blades )

Burin

• Wood Engraving

Cross cut is by cutting the block perpendicular to the grain. Cross cut wood is comparatively much harder than rip-cut and with a  fine surface. 

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Engraving
Burin is usually used for engraving to create thin delicate lines.

Ink
Oil based ink is usually applied.