Collagraph Printing Workshop with Jo Abela

Learn how to do the blended technique of Collagraph Printing with printer Jo Abela. Collagraph Printing Workshop Collagraph is a versatile and experimental printmaking technique where a printing plate is created by building up textures and shapes on a surface such as card or board. Materials like paper, fabric, string, leaves, and textured objects can be glued onto the plate and also etched into the plate using the intaglio technique. Once sealed and inked, the plate is run through a press or hand-printed to transfer the design onto paper. The process encourages creativity and exploration, producing richly textured prints with unique marks and layered surfaces. Collagraph is accessible for beginners while also offering plenty of scope for more experienced artists to experiment with composition, texture, and colour. About Jo Abela Having originally specialised in ceramic design during and immediately following my Honours Degree, I focussed on surface decoration on three dimensional vessels. I incorporated relief and lino printing techniques with slab-built ceramics to create work influenced by Medieval and Romanesque architecture. Whilst teaching ceramics and pottery in Adult Education classes for several years, I attended a few printmaking workshops and explored different techniques including collagraphs, monoprint, drypoint and stone lithography. For several years, I have also participated locally in community projects and exhibitions, through this I have developed a greater understanding and love of printmaking techniques, mixed media and collage, whilst still working on ceramics alongside. I now produce mainly ‘collagraph’ prints and create plates from a variety of textures and materials which are combined to produce prints with painterly qualities and a variety of tones. My work draws on a variety of themes including ideas emulated from memories, poetry, still life and the relationship between objects and their surroundings. Landscape and its change in use over time also inspires me.