ART 1360 Introduction to Printmaking
In this course students are introduced to intaglio, lithography, silkscreen, and relief processes as a survey of basic printmaking methods. Students work with materials such as copper, wood, and stone and address fundamental issues associated with making prints, including themes of originality, authorship, the matrix, and the multiple.
ART 2342 / ART 4341 Papermaking
In papermaking, students explore the inherent properties of paper as both a medium and a support for creative expression. Students learn to use traditional materials for papermaking, such as cotton and linen, and are also encouraged to experiment with recycled materials, various plants found in the Louisiana landscape, and fibers from around the world.
In ART 2342 Introduction to Papermaking, students learn how to make paper by hand, using various two- and three-dimensional forming techniques. The course presents the history and process of papermaking as well as specific European and Japanese methods.
ART 4341 Advanced Papermaking builds on skills from ART 2342, introducing further concepts and methodologies in papermaking. Emphasis is placed on finding a personal voice and using paper as a vehicle for creative expression. Students are expected to develop skills in making paper and to use equipment such as the Hollander beaters and vacuum table. A required proposal outlines students’ directed work in, on, and of paper through a focused approach to their research and creative goals.
ART 2381 / ART 4381 Book Arts
In Book Arts, students master bookbinding by hand techniques—including pamphlet, Japanese stab, accordion, Western case, and alternative structures—while honing skills in design and typography. Students practice traditional and experimental approaches to the book, creating innovative pairings of concept and structure. Along with technical demonstrations and studio work, students visit Hill Memorial Library, where they view and handle rare, historic, and fine press books as well as books designed by contemporary book artists from LSU’s Special Collections. Students from a diverse set of disciplines, including creative writing, are welcome to join book arts courses.
ART 2381 Book Arts introduces students to the arts of the book. Students learn basic hand bookbinding techniques, such as the pamphlet, Japanese stab, accordion, and Western case structures. An introduction to relief printing and letterpress is provided. Traditional and experimental approaches to the book are explored.
Students in ART 4381 Advanced Book Arts are challenged to develop an individual direction and personal vision for their work. In-depth critiques and scheduled demonstrations in specialized techniques help to foster a sense of purpose and a logical evolution of visual and written work. Students are required to write a proposal outlining their conceptual, technical, and research goals relevant to the concerns of the course; contemporary artists’ books; and the development of a scholarly practice within the field of book arts.
ART 2392 / ART 4391 Digital Printmaking
ART 2382 Digital Printmaking offers an overview of digital printmaking practices, blending technological innovations with traditional printing methods. Through a structured series of projects, students work in the digital environment using Photoshop, Lightroom, and Maya, as well as other digital platforms, to generate imagery for their prints. Students work on three individual projects—one each in screen print, photo-lithography, and digital inkjet output—in preparation for a culminating project employing each of the media and technologies introduced in the course.
In ART 4391 Advanced and Alternative Digital Printmaking, students pursue experimental work in various digital print media. Building on the knowledge, skills, and imagery developed in Digital Printmaking, this course focuses on personal explorations in digital media, platform, and print output. This course is best suited to the needs of advanced printmaking and digital art undergraduate students as well as graduate students from photography and graphic design. It may be incorporated into BFA or MFA thesis projects as a corollary to focused research and practice.
ART 4360 Advanced Printmaking
Students in Advanced Printmaking are challenged to develop an individual direction and personal vision for their work. Demonstrations in specialized techniques and in-depth critiques help foster a sense of purpose and a logical evolution of visual work. Students are required to write a proposal that outlines conceptual, technical, and research goals relevant to the concerns of the course, contemporary printmaking, and the development of a print aesthetic.
ART 4300 Senior Project Printmaking
Senior Project in Printmaking students develop a body of work around a single concept and vision. Individualized assignments and critiques are matched to each student’s ideas and work. Professional practices and communication skills relevant to the discipline are taught, preparing students for graduate education and encouraging the application of critical and visual thinking to their career paths in long-term, meaningful ways. Working closely with one or more professors in their final year, students are required to write a proposal that outlines conceptual, technical, and research goals. Projects are relevant to the concerns of contemporary printmaking and the development of a print aesthetic.
ART 7300 Graduate Printmaking
Students in Graduate Printmaking engage with a professor and their peers in intensive critique and dialogue. Individualized projects and critiques match each student’s ideas and creative work in printmaking. Professional practices and communication skills relevant to the discipline are taught, encouraging students to apply critical and visual thinking to their career path in long-term, meaningful ways. A seminar component of the course allows for rotation of timely topics and contemporary discourse. Informative class assignments develop skills and professional experience, which may include grant and proposal writing; curating and participating in portfolios, conferences, and special events; or working with visiting artists and the community.
ART 8000 Thesis Research: Printmaking
After passing to thesis and selecting a thesis topic, graduate students enroll in ART 8000 Thesis Research: Printmaking with the chair of the thesis committee. Students are expected to write an articulate proposal outlining creative, formal, and research goals for the thesis year. Their work culminates in a written thesis and a professionally mounted solo exhibition.
