Different substrates and their suitability for multi-colour woodcut printmaking.

Abstract

Multi-colour woodcut printmaking, a prominent printmaking technique used worldwide, is traditionally executed on a limited range of substrates. To address the need for expanding the possibilities of this art form, this study investigated twelve selected substrates to determine their feasibility for multi-colour woodcut printmaking, as a way of expanding the range of substrates for this art form. The research process involved three main steps: i) identifying and collecting potential alternative substrates, ii) experimenting with these substrates to assess their suitability for multi-colour woodcut printmaking, and iii) producing prints on the substrates that demonstrated compatibility. The study employed a practice-based research design with a qualitative approach, utilizing studio experiments, observations, and photography to collect data. The findings, presented through photographs and written reviews, were analyzed based on the researcher's experience in printmaking and existing literature. The results indicate that eleven out of the twelve substrates explored proved to be suitable for multi-colour woodcut printmaking, making them viable alternatives to traditional paper. Consequently, this study concludes that multi-colour woodcut prints can be successfully produced on substrates other than paper, highlighting the potential to achieve diverse print effects by exploring different materials.