Wood Engraving

The Wood Engraving process, achieved by cutting the wood perpendicular to the grain, enables the creation of intricate and finely detailed designs, thanks to the wood’s enhanced hardness and the artist’s delicate touch.
Mei Chen Tseng → primarily employs Canadian maple for her artworks. However, for this method, boxwood, lemonwood, and cherrywood are also suitable options. Tseng will share her insights into
material selection and preparation, unveiling the secrets that contribute to her exceptional creations.

Workshop Agenda

1. Introduction to Wood Engraving Technique→ Discover the origins and evolution of wood engraving | Discuss the key distinctions between wood engraving, woodcut, and linoleum printing | Familiarize yourself with the tools and distinctive marks characteristic of this technique.

2. Block Preparation→ Navigate the matrix selection process: end grain wood or linoleum | Learn techniques for drawing or transferring images onto the blocks | Explore the characteristics of engraved marks and their impact on the final piece.

3. Engraving Techniques→ Observe practical demonstrations of using gouges and burins for engraving | Gain a deep understanding of the gestures, force, and breath required to create distinct engraved marks.

4. Inking and Printing→ Get introduced to different types of ink used in wood engraving printing | Witness a demonstration of the correct ink application onto the matrix | Receive guidance on hand-printing the engravings.

5. Paper Selection→ Engage in experiments with various types of paper (Italian, Japanese, Taiwanese) suitable for supporting end grain woodblock printing | Delve into the distinct characteristics and results achieved withdifferent papers.

6. Ancient Chinese Framing Method→ Explore the traditional Chinese approach to framing artworks | Witness a practical demonstration of this time-honored framing technique.

The workshop nurtures a creative and collaborative atmosphere, offering an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and cultivate unique artistic skills. Each participant will have access to necessary materials and guided supervision from the experienced instructor in the field of wood engraving.

Prerequisites

Participation is recommended for individuals with a basic understanding of engraving techniques, such as the use of burins or gouges.

Final Remarks

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will take home their own engravings on end grain wood, enriched with knowledge of traditional engraving and printing techniques. Beyond acquiring new skills, participants will experience the satisfaction of crafting a one-of-a-kind piece of art with their own hands.

MEI CHEN TSENG is a Taiwanese artist and a member of the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers UK. She holds a degree in English Literature from Fu-Jen University in Taipei, Taiwan, and earned a diploma and master’s degree in Painting and Printmaking from the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and the Rome University of Fine Arts, Italy.

She possesses teaching experience at Fu-Jen University and the National Taiwan University of Arts. She founded the Burin Studio in Taipei and the “Mei Chen Tseng Printmaking Studio” in Rome.

Her works have been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. For instance, she participated in the “Immediati dintorni” exhibition at the Central Institute for Graphics in Rome, Italy, and recently held a solo exhibition titled “Philosophic Dialogue between Light and Shadow” at the Helios Gallery in Taipei, Taiwan.

She has garnered significant accolades, including the Full Fellowship as a guest artist at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica Venezia. Her artistic practice spans a range of forms, including video, installation, drawing and painting, with a particular focus on large scale wood engraving.

Visit  Mei Chen Tseng ‘s website