Drypoint: Introduction to Intaglio Printing Workshop

With Theo Tremblay

Explore the possibilities of drypoint and create your own intaglio print inspired by the rich history and contemporary interpretation of Indigenous breast plates.

Designed for artists looking to explore intaglio printing, this one-day introductory workshop with artist and printmaker Theo Tremblay combines history, discussion and hands-on printmaking.

The day begins with an illustrated presentation exploring the history and evolution of Indigenous breast plates as status symbols and forms of body adornment. Participants will consider how this iconic art form can be reconstructed as a historical artefact, a vehicle for storytelling and social commentary, or simply as a decorative symbol.

Through examples of traditional and contemporary artists, Theo will introduce the diverse creative possibilities of the form before guiding participants in developing their own design. Each participant will then incise their design into an aluminium plate shaped as a breast plate and explore the drypoint printing process.

Drypoint is an accessible introduction to intaglio and provides a valuable foundation for those interested in further study of etching and printmaking.

All materials provided.
Please bring a smock or apron. Covered shoes are mandatory — no sandals or bare feet.

About the Facilitator

Theo Tremblay is an accomplished artist, printmaker and educator with more than 50 years of experience in printmaking. He graduated with a BFA from the Boston Museum School & Tufts University in 1974 before becoming a printmaking tutor at Ruskin Fine Art, Oxford, and moving to Melbourne in 1977.

Theo has printed for Druckma Press, The Australian Print Workshop and Studio One, and has taught printmaking at institutions including the State College of Victoria, Canberra School of Art, the University of NSW and Cairns TAFE. In 1994, he completed an MFA at UNSW focusing on collaborative publishing with Aboriginal artists in Ramingining and the ACT.

Today, Theo and his partner Paloma operate the online gallery Canopy Art and Editions Tremblay No Fixed Press from a renovated timber mill in Speewah, Far North Queensland.