Laser-cutting Stencils for the Application of Enamel

Led by Elizabeth Turrell and Tom Sowden

This three-day course will start with an introduction to the principles of laser cutting. You will learn how to create stencils from a range of materials including paper, card and plastic film and by the end of the workshop you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare designs to send to commercial laser-cutting services.

Once you have prepared your stencils you will be able to produce a series of enamel samples on copper and steel using sifting and wet process enamels that will be fired in the large kiln.

The course aims to suit those who are interested in incorporating the laser as part of their practice and is suitable for those without previous experience of working in enamel and laser cutting although a practical background working within art and design is recommended. Full technical support will be given throughout the duration of the course.

Participants will be sent a materials list and you should be prepared to bring a file of images or text on the first day using file formats: Tiff, PSD, JPG and/or AI. A basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is desirable but not essential.

The facilities:

The Centre for Fine Print Research is a centre for excellence in enamel research and professional practice. The Enamel Studio researchers work with artists, craftspeople, designers and industry to solve problems in working with enamel on both copper and steel. The Studio houses a large-scale purpose-built enamel kiln, the largest of its kind in an educational institution in the UK. A sand blaster and small spray booth are also available and staff can provide advice on sourcing specialist materials. The studio and kiln are available for hire by artists wishing to create their own work and undertake large-scale enamel pieces. The kiln can be hired by the day allowing you to fire as many times as practical during the day.

The Centre’s large format digital print facility has been developed as an extension of the traditional printmaking studio for artists. The studio is equipped with the latest in digital print technology using on a selection of HP, Canon and Epson large format inkjet printers.

In the Laser Studio there is a 10w, 30w and 200w flat bed laser with a cutting area of 70 x 95cm, 40 x 60cm and 90 x 140cm respectively. The lasers can cut or engrave into textiles, paper, card, plastics, vinyl's and some types of wood (materials must be flat).

The tutors:

Elizabeth Turrell is the Senior Research Fellow in Enamel at the Centre for Fine Print Research. She runs the enamel research programme and large-scale enamel facility. She is currently creating an international contemporary vitreous enamel archive and is involved in a series of public commissions in enamel. One of her long-term commitments has been to promote and raise the profile of vitreous enamel and to make enamel a more established area of the visual arts by exploring its creative potential on metal. Elizabeth exhibits nationally and internationally and in addition she has taught widely both in the UK and overseas.

Tom Sowden is the AHRC Research Fellow in Artists’ Books at the at the CFPR, working alongside Sarah Bodman on the AHRC funded project: ‘In an arena including digital and traditional artists’ publishing formats - what will be the canon for the artist’s book in the 21st Century?’ Tom also works part-time as a Senior Technical Instructor in the Laser Studio, supporting on-going projects with practising artists and designers, and teaches on the MA Multi-disciplinary Printmaking course at UWE.

Limited to 10 participants

Dates: 17 - 19 March 2010
Time:  Each day runs from 09.30 - 16.30
Price:  £320 (£256 concessions) materials, lunch vouchers, teas and coffees are included in the course fee.

Book online now! please click on the following link: Online Payment or
To book a place please download the application form and return it to:

Marketing and External Relations
School of Creative Arts
UWE
Bower Ashton Campus
Kennel Lodge Road
Bristol
BS3 2JT

For more information on courses/bookings please contact:
 0117 3284810
 sca.cpd@uwe.ac.uk

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