Print

The first stop of this workshop is to allow each Artmaker to put pen to paper and see how they work. This gives us the information we need to work alongside them to develop a printing programme which suits their individual needs and personal interests.

We then continue by either exploring a printing process that allows Artmakers to express themselves through mark making or observational drawing from a thematic subject matter.

Once we have established this criteria, we then move forward by encouraging experimentation in different printing techniques and/or working on developing their style and image making skills; this might be via drawing, painting, collage or mono print. Once a strong body of artworks have been created, we then take these ideas towards final print outcomes, either as artworks to be exhibited or products for the shop and other venues. Artmakers are also encouraged to learn printing techniques by collaborating with more established printers.

We follow the themes for the centre but also work in response to outside commissions and events.

Physical: printing requires Artmakers to move around the room and stand up if they are able. If mobility is an issue, there are processes in place to enable engagement with printing such as using a burren at the table top rather than using the printing press. The processes offer opportunities to develop hand to eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Social: the workshop offers a relaxed and sociable environment. We also regularly work collaboratively on various projects, and peer mentoring is encouraged.

Wellbeing: this is achieved both through enjoyment of the processes, a sense of wonder when a print is successfully made, and the sense of achievement when a printed product is exhibited (and often sold), as well as the convivial atmosphere in the workshop.

Communication: Staff ensure that communication is positive and enabling as well as offering goals to aim for as individually appropriate. As Artmakers progress, staff work to enable a more sophisticated understanding of processes and this is reflected in the language we use to talk about our artwork. We encourage peer mentorship and the use of makaton in the workshop alongside spoken word.

We work hard to ensure that Artmakers work as independently as possible throughout the whole process from development of ideas and images to printing processes and then cleaning up after themselves. Artmakers are encouraged to generate artwork that is their own ideas based on their own mark making and drawing skills and not those of others.

We have tools that are adapted for easy use so that Artmakers with motor skill challenges can still take charge of their own printing. We also adapt processes to the individual concerned so, for example, we would offer tactile printing processes to those with visual impairment. Peer mentoring is also another way to promote such independence and Artmakers with more printing experience often offer help and advice to newcomers as well as being teamed together for group projects.

We use a mix of verbal, makaton and hand gestures. Some Artmakers use iPads too.

Our workshop produces the highest volume of sellable goods in the centre and is constantly in demand for exhibitions, shop products and events as well as commissions such as bedfest t-shirts. This gives Artmakers a sense of pride and achievement. The way we run the workshop ensures that Artmakers feel that their own skills and personalities are important and central to the products we make. We celebrate achievements weekly through praise and group encouragement. We partner well with other workshops such as paper and the shop and the Artmakers see the value of who they are and what they do.

Due to the nature of the processes, we require some elbow room in this workshop. This leads to limited spaces available in this workshop to ensure everyone has the space and time necessary to become a confident printer.