Eco-Printing: Crafting with a Conscience

Faculty Mentor

Ginelle Hustrulid

Document Type

Creative Work

Start Date

10-5-2023 11:15 AM

End Date

10-5-2023 1:00 PM

Location

PUB NCR

Department

Design

Abstract

Block printing is a traditional art form that involves using carved blocks to imprint designs onto fabric, paper, or other surfaces. While it can create beautiful and unique designs, the materials used in the process can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, if the blocks are made from non-renewable resources such as plastics or metals, or if the ink used contains harmful chemicals, it can contribute to waste and pollution. This project explores the use of eco-friendly block printing materials to reduce impact on the planet by reusing and recycling materials and considering the lifecycle of materials. In this project, printing blocks were made from recycled materials and found items such as scrap wood and linoleum/formica from new home builds, the pigments for the ink were made from plant and food scraps, and paper was created using scrap paper from recycle bins.

The result is a series of prints on hand-made paper, printed with homemade ink and blocks of recycled materials. The designs themselves are botanical in nature and often compliment the paper they are printed on. For instance, a grapefruit carving is placed on paper that was made with fragments of grapefruit. No “new” materials were used or are part of the finished work. This process was not easier, but it was worthwhile. Throughout this project, I reinforced the conclusion that it is possible to use eco-friendly materials for block printing which help reduce waste, conserve resources and minimize harm to the environment.

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May 10th, 11:15 AM May 10th, 1:00 PM

Eco-Printing: Crafting with a Conscience

PUB NCR

Block printing is a traditional art form that involves using carved blocks to imprint designs onto fabric, paper, or other surfaces. While it can create beautiful and unique designs, the materials used in the process can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, if the blocks are made from non-renewable resources such as plastics or metals, or if the ink used contains harmful chemicals, it can contribute to waste and pollution. This project explores the use of eco-friendly block printing materials to reduce impact on the planet by reusing and recycling materials and considering the lifecycle of materials. In this project, printing blocks were made from recycled materials and found items such as scrap wood and linoleum/formica from new home builds, the pigments for the ink were made from plant and food scraps, and paper was created using scrap paper from recycle bins.

The result is a series of prints on hand-made paper, printed with homemade ink and blocks of recycled materials. The designs themselves are botanical in nature and often compliment the paper they are printed on. For instance, a grapefruit carving is placed on paper that was made with fragments of grapefruit. No “new” materials were used or are part of the finished work. This process was not easier, but it was worthwhile. Throughout this project, I reinforced the conclusion that it is possible to use eco-friendly materials for block printing which help reduce waste, conserve resources and minimize harm to the environment.