Throughout the course, we were introduced to a wide array of techniques and practices in lithography. The program included demonstrations on everything from stone theory, drawing, and etching to proofing and image layout. We learned the ins and outs of preparing the stone—graining it, using T-bar and punch registration, and working with dry drawing materials. We also explored the chemistry of the process, including how to scrape a leather roller, work with shop black (transforming it into crayon lines), and prepare paper for printing.

A key focus was best practices, especially when it comes to cleaning and sustainability. Tamarind emphasized the importance of being strategic with materials, recycling, and minimising waste.. In a world where we often default to traditional materials and tools, we were encouraged to think critically about which tools to use based on the marks we wanted to make. If the right tool didn’t exist, we were invited to create our own. 

Throughout the duration of the course we took several trips; We visited the University of New Mexico’s Lithography archives, where we examined and compared artists such as Kollwitz, Miro, O'Keefe, Row to name a few. Another highlight was a trip to Santa Fe and a look round the folk museum which had so many amazing objects made of paper. The trip to the Tackach Factory felt like a big privilege getting to see where the amazing presses are design and made and hear the story of how the first Tackach Press came into being in 1975 via Dave the original designer and engineer.