EnglishCyanotype and drypoint on plexiglass
Tutors: Gianna Bentivenga, Devin Kovach
23-27 August 2023
Cyanotype and drypoint on plexiglass – 23-27 August 2023
This workshop focuses on knowledge and exploration of traditional printing methods through the combination and interaction of photographic and intaglio techniques: specifically, cyanotype and drypoint on plexiglass.
Cyanotype is a photographic technique first introduced by the astronomer and scientist Herschel in the early 19th century. Drypoint, an intaglio technique, will be used on a matrix of plexiglass, a material that is easy to scratch and, thanks to its transparency, allows for the precise elaboration of multiple overlapping images. The origins and history of cyanotype and its technical characteristics will be addressed. Each student will make a cyanotype – of their own design – practicing the process in all its stages, starting with the preparation of the photosensitive emulsion and the papers, followed by exposure, and finally development and fixing of the final image. Upon completion, we shift focus to the exploration of drypoint on plexiglass. Once again participants will create their own work, developing their imagery through the entire process including engraving and printing in the intaglio manner. The workshop will conclude with each participant producing a small edition of their work.
In the last part of the workshop, each participant will create his or her own Japanese-bound book, which will contain a copy of each participant’s work.
Gianna Bentivenga was born in Stigliano (MT) in 1975. In 1994, she moved to Rome, where she began her artistic training at the Academy of Fine Arts. During this period, she obtained a scholarship that gave her the opportunity to study in Belgium at the Academie voor Schone Kunsten in Antwerp under the guidance of Ingrid Ledent. and where she was able to deepen her study of engraving. In 2006, she obtained a studio at the Kunsthaus Tacheles in Berlin, where she stayed for several months and where she came into contact with numerous artists from all over the world for a meaningful confrontation in the field of art. She is a founding member of the Insigna association, which deals with the dissemination of Graphic Art and Artist’s Books. Her works can be found in numerous collections both in Italy and abroad.
She currently works as a lecturer at the Rome University of Fine Arts.
Devin Kovach
Born in 1987 in Arizona, USA, Devin Kovach completed his Master of Fine Arts at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia and Rome. He has been teaching printmaking and bookbinding at Temple University in Rome since 2015. His work has been exhibited both in Europe and the United States; he has received several fellowships and research grants, including those at the Anderson Ranch in Colorado, the Kala Art Insitute of California, the Printmaking Centre in New Jersey, the Officina Stamperia del Notaio, Sicily, Default 17 of the cultural organisation Ramdom, Apulia, and finally RAMO 6.0, Abruzzo.
- This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some experience
- Language: English-Italian
- 5 day workshop 23-27 August 2023
- Location: Castle of Montefiore
- Timetable: 10-13 / 14-17
- Cost: Euro 325 (concessions: students and under 26, euro 275)
- Materials and tools necessary for the workshops are included in the cost of the course and will be provided for each participant.
General information
- Participants are advised to bring your own drawing set, and clothing suitable for work in comfort, dirty, etc.
- Usually at lunch time we eat together in the park nearby the castle. Everyone brings their own food.
- A certificate of attendance will be awarded at the end of the course.
- There is a limit of 10 places per workshop
- 5 participants are needed for the course to operate
- If the course has insufficient participants to run, those already enrolled will receive a full refund of the amount they paid at registration.
- Participants who have registered but find they can no longer attend will be refunded half the registration fee providing they notify us at least 20 days before the course commences.
- Early registration is recommended in order to secure not only a place on the course but also accommodation in Montefiore Conca.