Reduction Woodblock Print Making with Olivia O’Connor & Rob Eales
 
9.00pm to 5.00pm
Sunday April 13, 2025
The Wood Play Studio
Level 2, 69 Charles Street 
Coburg 3058
 
Discover the art of Reduction Woodblock Carving and Print Making in this fun and engaging workshop. Unleash your creativity as you learn the essential techniques of the Reduction Woodblock Printmaking process. And then press your prints using a 100-year-old mechanical Letterpress Printing Presses. If you ever wanted a unique woodwork experience, then you have found it.
 
What is Reduction Woodblock Print Making?
 
Woodblock print making is a style of relief printing where artists use carved wooden blocks and ink to press designs onto textiles or paper. Traditionally woodblock prints are printed using separate blocks, one created for each colour. Reduction Woodblock Print Making is when all the colours of the print are all printed from a single block. Each colour in succession, as the original surface of the block is carved away and reduced.
 
What happens in the workshop?
 
This experience takes you through the whole process of creating your very own Reduction Woodblock Print in two stages.
 
Stage 1 
 
The print you will create will feature two colours, grey and black printed on white paper. To start, guided by Olivia, you will draw your woodblock design and then carve away everything that will remain white, that is, the parts of your design that will remain un inked. Then, guided by Rob, you will ‘ink up’ your block using grey ink and use a Letterpress Printing Press to make a series of Stage 1 prints.
 
Stage 2
 
While the first layer of ink dries, you will then carve your woodblock again to keep the parts of the print that you wish to remain grey. You will then ‘ink up’ your block again using black and reprint your Stage 1 prints on the Letterpress Printing Press to make your final pieces. Works of original art you can share with friends.
 
About the Letter Head Press
 
Downstairs from the Wood Play Studio is the Commoners Press curated by Rob Eales. Commoners Press is a print studio that works with artists and designers in Australia and abroad on short run projects using traditional printing machines. They have three Letterpress Presses including a fully functioning 100-year-old press. 
 
How long is the class?
 
Reduction Woodblock Print Making with Olivia O’Connor and Rob Eales starts at 9.00am Sunday April 13 and concludes at 5.00pm. There is a maximum of 6 people in the workshop so you are assured to receive all the support you may need. You can work at your own pace throughout the workshop, refreshments are provided.
 
Do I need tools or equipment?
 
All equipment and materials are supplied. It is ideal to have an idea of what you wish to print before the workshop. if you need assistance email John at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au to discuss. Wood Play Studio recommends all participants wear sturdy shoes and clothes suitable for woodworking. Participants in this class must be 18 years of age and well enough to stand for several hours at a time lifting 2kg with each arm.
 
Catering
 
This is a full day workshop. Refreshments are provided throughout the day, yet please bring something for lunch. There is a café and shopping centre down the street if you prefer.
 
Who is Olivia O’Connor
 
Olivia is an award-winning artist and woodcarver who specialises in handmade rocking horses and rocking horse restoration. Olivia is an experienced instructor who is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping you develop your craft skills.
 
Who is Rob Eales
 
Rob is a member of Commoners Press, a community focused experimental press based in Coburg North.  As part of the press he has worked with artists and designers to print their work as well as run workshops for Melbourne Art Book Fair, Geelong Design week and Zineverleigh.  Rob loves sharing the craft and knowledge of letterpress to all that are interested.
 
Who is this class for?
 
Whether you're a beginner who wants to get into carving & printmaking, or a more experienced artist looking to explore a new medium, this workshop is for you! With the group you will explore the materials, tools, and safety precautions necessary for woodblock carving and print making. You will also meet like-minded creative people and no doubt you will have some fun. 
 
Tickets on sale now
 
Join us for this immersive and enriching woodblock print making workshop. Where you can flex your artistic potential, play with super cool vintage printing machinery and experience the satisfaction of transforming a simple piece of wood into an original work of art. Get your ticket now to secure your bench space to embark and an exciting creative adventure!