These artworks were created as part of a ‘Printmaking’ unit, which had a focus on monoprinting and collagraph prints. As the unit had a focus on academic language, the Year 7 class were initially introduced, through a selection of games and activities, to terms specific to printmaking.

Over a number of lessons students had the opportunity to produce a range of monoprints which utilised different materials including leaves, feathers, skeleton leaves, foliage, paper doilies and stencils cut by the students from paper.

Students experimented widely as they were supported and encouraged to use different coloured inks, combine materials and layer the inks. Many students also produced ghost prints, finding that they preferred the subtle colours and textures produced by this method.

Following the completion of the monoprints the students focused on the presentation of their work. They selected their most preferred prints and learnt the skills of basic paper folding. A few class members were taught the accordion paper fold method and these ‘student teachers’ then led their peers through the process.

Decorative papers were selected for the front and back covers of their artist’s books. After the artist’s books were assembled each student produced an artist’s statement. This statement detailed the elements used and the processes employed to create the prints and books.

Artwork provided by
Tash Saunders
Charlton College