OUGD501: Interim Crit/ Intensions for practical piece

In small groups we had a small crit explaining what our essay question is and what we would like to create for our practical piece. I received positive feedback and some great ideas too. 

Some of the ideas included creating a piece which would recreate something which is purely digital using traditional methods such as screen printing ect. It was also mentioned that I could show how something could be created digitally and traditionally through screen print. However after the crit I thought I had a reread of my essay and the select sections of research I had looked into and I noticed that a large amount of what makes traditional methods appealing is their process.  

I quoted Dormer (1997) in my essay:

 ‘A craft object often reveals much about the skill and the technology used to make it’ (Dormer, 1997, p122) This would be ideal to show the process through photographs of the making in a small booklet alongside the actual screen print. 

'the real value of printmaking today is its vintage appeal and the activity involved in the process of creating prints' (Candence Wu)

Throughout my essay I focused on Benjamin's theory of authenticity and aura. He suggests- ‘The whole sphere of authenticity eludes technological- and of course, not only technological- reproducibility’. Which therefore suggests that traditional printmaking provides something different which cannot be replicated by digital printing. Therefore I will show the transformation through a book from the printed digital design to the final product which will be a beautiful screen print. 

People of print: Print isn't dead

"In a world where screen-based graphics and digital design dominate the mainstream, an international community of independent designers has embraced traditional printmaking techniques to create some of the most innovative graphics ever. For People of Print, Marcroy Smith, founder & director, and designer Andy Cooke, have brought together the work of more than forty-five of the hottest designers, illustrators, and collectives currently committed to the tactility, materiality, and visible craft of print, alongside the gallerists and promoters who are key figures in this creative scene. A dazzling array of work is presented, made to adorn paper, posters, flyers, packaging, fanzines, self-published books, textiles and fashion, and exhibition design, accompanied by profiles of each printer, in-depth interviews, information on innovative design techniques, and a comprehensive reference section. With a broad range of designers from the United States, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Singapore, and beyond, People of Print will be an essential and inspirational resource for graphic designers and illustrators as well as anyone who appreciates that print is the future."

http://department-store.co

The reason I wrote the essay and also why I wanted complete a traditionally made piece is because there currently seems to be a trend or in fact a new interest in hands on making. Print isn't dead definitely shows that interest as publication of various examples which are bought as limited editions. This idea of limited edition and unique links back to Benjamin's theory of aura and that each piece is an original/ unique. 

I used Linkedin as a tool to ask current design professionals and lecturers what they thought of current digital and traditional methods of making.

I gained lots of different feedback which had mixed opinions similar to my own. But after reading through them all it is definitely clear that what makes printmaking such as screen printing special is the process the individual goes through to make the final product(s). So therefore showing this process visually would appeal to the target audience which would be others who also understand and appreciate traditional printmaking.