Laser Cutting for Matrix Building

This is a 2 day workshop demonstrating how laser cutting can be used for matrix building. We will be working in conjunction with MAKEatx (our neighbor) to laser cut our materials.

$60 fee for both days + $15 supply fee

Read Cathy's Blog about her process

May 15th:

JPG file of work to be "etched" should be emailed to Cathy Savage by May 15 for file setup. High contrast files work best. When creating file, black will indicate area you wish "etched." JPGs should be 300 dpi and can be any dimension--we can reduce the size in the workshop.*

*We are limiting the size of matrices to 5 x 7" to accommodate all workshop participants. While this size is smaller than most of our members work, since this is a digital process, it's a good test for a larger print. MAKEatx will have information on hand on how workshop participants can set up additional print time in the future.

May 22nd 6:30-9:30 PM:

Workshop participants will laser cut into chip board or mat board. Wood and acrylic will be on hand if the laser cutting takes less time than expected.

WPA print shop will be open for printing. Since laser cutting takes a bit of time and there will be a queue, workshop participants can bring something to proof even if not made during the workshop. Mat medium really needs to cure, but we'll have a hair dryer here in case people want to proof.

May 25th 6:30-9:30 PM:

Workshop participants will laser cut into acrylic or wood

WPA print shop open to test relief matrices and chip board "etchings"

Supplies:

Your supply fee will cover the following supplies. You are more than welcome to bring your own supplies if these items do not meet your needs.

chip board (you could bring mat board)
acrylic++
Liquitex high gloss gel medium
paintbrushes
MDF (you could bring 1/8" Baltic Birch)
Shellac
sandpaper
rags
ink (Akua Intaglio provided. If you prefer different ink you'll need to bring it.)
newsprint for proofing relief
proofing paper for intaglio (please bring additional paper if you hope to do more than proof)
hair dryer (if you have an extra hair dryer, please bring it)
cleaning supplies
solvents if necessary

++If you are bringing your own supplies, note that not all surfaces can be cut, since some plastics omit hazardous fumes when lasered. Please email Cathy ahead of time if you are bringing your own substrate.