Relief Printing on a Vandercook Press

Learn how to carve linoleum and print relief on a Vandercook proof press, no experience necessary! Relief Printing is a traditional printmaking process which involves carving, inking up, and applying pressure, manually or with a press, to print. The objective of this course is to learn about positive and negative space in images by carving a linoleum block, and for each student to create a small edition of their own prints or postcards.

Participants can bring a prepared image or design one during class. Students will use linoleum blocks and create their images using carving tools; they will then learn to use a Vandercook press to print their work. All students will get 10 copies of their work, with the opportunity to do an art exchange with their fellow participants. Relief printing is a great way to build up a simple but strong graphic composition and image. A materials fee covers linoleum, paper, ink, and other consumables for an introductory project.

Please note: We require all visitors to the Soapbox wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. The instructor reserves the right to ask you to leave if you do not comply.

Icarus Key is a 2024 UArts graduate of the MFA in Printmaking and Bookbinding program and a 2020 UAH graduate with a BFA focused in printmaking and graphic design. He uses the medium of the book and the multiplicity of the print to create affordable art that tells stories of queerness and marginalization and seeks to spread the joys of bookmaking and storytelling to everyone he meets.

$40 for Current Members of the Soapbox/$45 for Non-Members

Plus a $15 materials fee that covers a mounted linoleum block, ink, paper, and use of our equipment.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Soapbox: Community Print Shop & Zine Library, 4700 Kingsessing Avenue, Philadelphia, United States