Multi Process: RISO and Collagraph

Join printmaker and illustrator Abbie Mooney on this full day workshop exploring how to translate textural collagraph plates into graphic risograph prints to bring not one, but two printmaking processes into your practice!

The day will begin with an introduction to the collagraph technique, building tone and texture, and exploring household materials and mark making to produce illustrative and abstract collagraph plates. You will then be guided through the process of inking up your collagraph plate in the relief technique before rolling these through an etching press to produce a series of original monochrome prints. Different textures will hold varying amounts of ink which will translate to varying tones when printed. 

We will then collage and scan your original collagraphs to translate these into multi-layered risograph prints, exploring colour and overprint techniques to transform your collagraphs into vivid prints or posters. 

Who is it for?:

This session is suitable for all levels of experience and knowledge whether completely new to either technique or for anyone who may have tried collagraph or risograph before and is wishing to explore how they might work together.

What to prepare:

All materials will be provided for your session. You might find it useful to consider the type of imagery you want explore on the day and bring along some inspiration with you such as sketchbooks or reference materials.

Pace and Accessibility:

This workshop is designed to be relaxed, supportive and accessible, with a maximum of six participants to ensure everyone receives individual guidance. You’ll be taken through each stage of the process step by step, with opportunities to work either seated or standing as you prefer. Regular breaks will be included throughout the session. The Riso is located in our Gallery space which has level access and an accessible toilet. If you have any additional access or support needs, please get in touch before the workshop so we can do our best to accommodate them. 

Your tutor: Abbie Mooney

Abbie Mooney is an illustrator, printmaker and tutor based in Leeds whose practice is underpinned by her interests in industrial heritage and how we can use printmaking to give voice to stories of the past, bringing heritage to new audiences.  

A traditional printmaker at heart, most of Abbie’s illustrations start out as original collagraphs built from layers of textured material, sometimes produced as scale models, before being scanned in and adapted in risograph to give them their unique vivid colour.  

Although much of Abbie’s work is focussed around the railways and northern industrial heritage, she applies her printmaking to a variety of subjects for greetings cards, commercial products and narrative illustration.  

She teaches technical processes in further education and specialises in sharing traditional print and bookbinding skills through workshops and community engagement projects. 

What can I do after I’ve learnt the basic process?

After attending this course you’ll be able to sign up as a RISO member; enjoying all the great benefits of being a WYPW member alongside the ability to get printing! You can find out more about becoming a RISO Member and signing up via our members website or by asking one of our team. You’ll need to attend a technical induction (free of charge following a course, usual cost £25) which will provide you with the knowledge to confidently work independently, set up and alter the settings on the machine.

Cancellation Policy:

• If you have to cancel:

If you are unable to attend your booked course, we may accept the fee paid as payment towards a place on the same or another course that takes place within the same financial year (running 1 April-31 March) following the originally booked event. Such a transfer will be on condition that we are informed in writing of your intentions four weeks prior to the originally booked event. Bookings can only be transferred once. If you are unable to attend, and not in a position either to transfer to another event, then the following charges will apply: Cancellation charges

• 16-12 weeks before the course: 50 % of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Less than 12 weeks before the course: 100% of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Please note that full payment is required for non-attendance on a booking that has been transferred.

If you have any further questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us on info@wypw.org

• If we have to cancel:

West Yorkshire Print Workshop reserves the right to cancel or re-arrange courses if there are insufficient participants enrolled to run a viable course or for other unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to give those who have already enrolled at least one weeks’ notice of cancellation. In such circumstances you will be offered a free transfer to another course date or a full refund of fees paid. By enrolling in our courses, participants agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined above. 

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