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Photopolymer Etching Class

Learn how to make photopolymer etching plates, a low toxic way to make an intaglio plate

Sandra Pearce

Art from the Urban Wilderness

5.0 (176)

ClassBento donates with every booking to

4.5 hours

3 to 4 guests

$165 ($100 per class surcharge applies for private classes) (Afterpay available)

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Overview

Reviews

Teacher

What you'll do

Explore the medium of polymer plate printmaking, where we create intaglio etched plates using UV light (also known as Solar Plates).

You’ll create a small edition of prints from a photopolymer plate using a drawing, copyright-free internet image, or photograph as a source.

You'll learn:

The process of working with photopolymer plates to create intaglio etching plates, including exposure times, the washout process, and post-exposure processing
How to use the studio UV vacuum unit
How to assess your test prints for quality (note: you must be a confident intaglio printer as no printing tuition is provided during the workshop)
The importance of documentation of the exposure process

This is a low-toxic method of creating etched plates. We use Akua Intaglio inks, which are soy-based and water wash-up.

Pre-class preparation: Once you have booked in, you will receive your pre-workshop instructions to get your image ready for the workshop, including getting it printed onto a clear transparency sheet.

Please note: While we’ll guide you through each step with care, it’s important to know that outcomes can be somewhat unpredictable - part of the magic and challenge of working with light-sensitive plates. Your workshop fee includes one A6-sized plate. If you'd like to try again, you can purchase another plate on the day at cost price.

Cancellation Policy: Life happens, we get it! You can cancel or reschedule your workshop booking anytime up to 7 days before the class. Unfortunately, if you cancel within 7 days and we're unable to fill your spot, we won’t be able to offer a refund or credit. You’re welcome to pass your ticket on to someone else - just send us a message with their name and contact details so we can update the booking. Thanks so much for your understanding and support.

What you'll get

The workshop fee includes all materials, including one A6-sized plate, proofing paper, inks, and tools.
You will take home your completed plate and several prints, as well as the knowledge and skills to keep working with the technique.

Knowledge required

This workshop is for those with prior intaglio printing experience, as we’ll be building upon those skills.

What to bring

The following items are required for the workshop:

Image printed onto a clear transparency sheet as per pre-workshop instructions sent to you after booking
Notebook and pen
Printmaking paper
Apron and nametag
Lunch and drinks

Location

Hive Studios, Unit 13/10 Depot Street, Banyo QLD

Art from the Urban Wilderness is located at Hive Studios in the suburb of Banyo, 15 km from the centre of Brisbane City. By Car – via the Gateway Motorway, take Exit 112 at the Nudgee Service Centre. By train – walk from Northgate Station (2 kilometres) or Banyo Station (1.2 kilometres) or catch an uber or taxi from the station (1-2 minutes drive).

Verified reviews

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Your teacher

Sandra Pearce

Sandra Pearce is a Brisbane/Meanjin based artist working with artist books, printed images and paper installations. Her art practice responds to ideas relating to nature-human conflicts, the impacts of urbanisation and the human manipulation of landscape.

Sandra has exhibited widely in both regional and private art galleries and has participated in several artist-in-residence programs including Curtin Springs (NT) and Cataract Gorge (TAS).

Your host

Art from the Urban Wilderness

5.0 (176)

Women-owned

Art from the Urban Wilderness is a community art studio located at Hive Studios in Banyo, northside Brisbane/Meanjin.

The studio was founded by artist Sandra Pearce in 2021, and specialises in the techniques of printmaking, papermaking, drawing, bookbinding and artist books. We offer workshops, courses, social art days, and artist talk events.

Our mission is to build an inclusive art community that nurtures creative authenticity, confidence and resilience. We also believe in the power of art to break the cycle of disaffection towards nature, to enrich lives and inspire care for the environment.