6 Reasons Printmaking Is Considered an Art

Printmaking has often faced skepticism as a true art form, partly because of its historical roots in mass production. Unlike painting or sculpture, printmaking’s early association with book production left it overlooked and misunderstood. This misconception persists, leaving many to wonder if printmaking deserves a place among other celebrated artistic disciplines.

This misunderstanding has led to countless missed opportunities for artists and enthusiasts to explore a medium that offers unparalleled creativity and expression. Without recognizing the artistic value of printmaking, many artists miss out on the chance to dive into a rich tradition, embrace unique techniques, and create stunning works of art that resonate with their audience.

So, what makes printmaking a legitimate art form? In “6 Reasons Printmaking Is Considered an Art,” we delve into the characteristics that set printmaking apart. From its ability to provide a powerful mode of self-expression, diverse styles, and media options, to the originality of each print, its deep-rooted traditions, and its potential for collaboration—printmaking proves to be as much an art form as any other.

One – Printmaking Is a Method To Express Yourself

Art has always been a method of self-expression, and printmaking is no exception. The different printing methods available allow you to choose what will let you express yourself to the fullest extent. The techniques are all unique in their styles, allowing for unlimited creativity when translating an image from a drawing into the printmaking matrix.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the early Western sixteenth century saw artists using prints to explore their own interests. They dove into various subject matter, from commonplace themes to fantastical imagery. Whatever was in their imagination, they began creating with printmaking prints. 

Since then, an exploration into printmaking art has only grown worldwide. Using different media, colors, and tools, you can fully design your creations just as well as if you were painting. The printmaking process has the same capability as painting to express the imagery you wish to share fully, but it has more power because you can readily reproduce it.

Printmaking has also primarily been seen as a method of communication. You can communicate essential themes or concepts to your audience through your creations. If there is an important statement you are trying to make, printmaking can be an ideal method of communication. 

Two – Printmaking Allows for Varied Style

Typical of most art forms, printmaking is not limited to just one style or method. This variety offers you alternatives for the best form of expression, with printmaking techniques ranging from straightforward to complicated. 

Some examples of these techniques include the following:

• Woodcuts: With woodcut printing, you’ll remove the negative space around the image you want to print. Once you carve the image, coat the matrix with your chosen ink before pressing it onto your chosen material. This process is considered a more complex technique because of the difficulty of carving the wood.
• Engraving: To use engraving, you will create grooves in your print plate, coat the plate in ink, and wipe the plate to only leave ink remaining in the grooves. For this technique, you will need a printing press to force the paper into the grooves to absorb the ink. Engraving is considered the most challenging printmaking technique to master.
• Linocuts: You will create linocuts using linoleum. This method is a form of relief printmaking. This form of printmaking is often taught to beginners because it is one of the easiest to learn. However, because of the sponge-like consistency of the linoleum, this method is not ideal for creating fine lines.
• Collagraphs: A collagraph is a type of relief printmaking, but you create the matrix in reverse. Instead of carving it out, you will build it up with thin materials until you have made the ideal image you are trying to design. This matrix’s impression will have varying textures based on the materials you used to build it.

As you can see from these examples, the techniques produce unique results. You can create different styles of prints and imagery effects based on your chosen method. 

Three – Different Media Options Are Available

As printmaking has changed over the years, so have the available media options. 

We can trace the first prints back to prehistoric people who made repeating images on the walls with their hands with pulverized pigments. Today, the artform has advanced to include paper, fabric, wood, and other materials. Media options include inks, paints, and pigments.

Perhaps the most free license is given to the object you choose to put your matrix on. You can make anything you can carve into a matrix, including a potato. You may even decide to do a monotype print, in which you will only make one print. In the end this is up to you and the direction you want to take as an artist is your own.

Because of the range of material, media, and matrix options available, there is no limit to your creativity with printmaking other than your imagination. Artists have even chosen to make variations within editions, printing from the same matrix on different types of paper or materials. 

Four – Each Print Created Is an Original Work

Each print is considered an original work despite multiple prints typically printed from one matrix. Additionally, many times there are variations between prints that make them unique from one another. 

Instead of being considered copies, these prints are called editions. You will number them accordingly. For example, suppose you have produced 20 good prints from one matrix. You will label them 1/20, 2/20, etc. These are 20 original prints, not copies of a print. 

Five – Printmaking Is Steeped in Tradition

Printmaking has a lot of traditional significance, making it an essential art form. Because of this significance, it has helped shape cultures throughout the world. Many artists learn printmaking because of its historical significance. 

This art form has long been a traditional teaching method. Students who learn printmaking develop problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. 

Six – Printmaking Can Be a Collaborative Effort

Many art forms are collaborative. Printmaking also allows for this type of production. Printmakers often create their matrices and deliver them to professional printers, who then make the prints. This practice could be a beneficial arrangement for you if you do not have your own printing press. 

Another form of collaboration is when an artist not skilled in printmaking seeks out a printmaker to create prints they have visualized. While they do not have the skill to do this kind of project independently, the artist can realize their vision through the printmaker’s hand with this collaborative effort.

Final Words

Printmaking is a true art form, combining self-expression, technical skill, and creative versatility. Through its varied techniques—such as woodcuts, engravings, and linocuts—printmaking provides artists with endless opportunities to explore their artistic voice. The medium’s diversity extends to its materials, offering unique media and matrix options that allow for originality and innovation in every piece. With its rich tradition, collaborative potential, and the fact that each print is considered an original work, printmaking stands out as a timeless and essential artistic discipline.

As detailed in “6 Reasons Printmaking Is Considered an Art,” this medium’s unique ability to blend creativity, tradition, and collaboration makes it much more than just a method of reproduction. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a seasoned creator, printmaking offers an inspiring way to express your vision and connect with a vibrant history of artistic expression.