Abigail Merickel: Decorative Block Design

Workshop Description

Learn about the seven simple design motifs found on all decorative arts in various world cultures. Students will use a pen and paper in a guided drawing exercise that will help them experiment freely with these motifs to create their own decorative design, which will be made into a block-print stamp.

The elements of design—line, texture, and positive and negative space—will be included in the final design for students’ own 2″ x 3″ block print stamp (or two, time allowing). Students will carve and print their own block in a variety of colored inks and papers.

By experimenting with interesting printing techniques and exchanging blocks, participants will leave with a multitude of beautiful, hand-printed decorative papers for book arts projects.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• World culture design motif ideas
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Apron
• Uniball pen

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Plexiglass plates for inking
• Safety-Kut or Gomuban blocks (2 per student)
• Carving tools
• Brayers
• Bench hooks
• Soy-based Akua printing inks
• Tracing paper
• Variety of papers
• Instructional handout

Instructor Biography

Abigail Merickel lives in Oregon and Oaxaca, Mexico. She studied art and languages in Seville, Spain; Venice, Italy; and London, England, acquiring a BA in Spanish and English (University of Colorado–Boulder, 1981), a BFA in Painting (Accademia di Belli Arti-Venezia, 1989), and an MA in Teaching (George Fox University, Oregon, 2006). As a printmaker she experiments with monotype, collagraph, relief, intaglio, and lithography. Her creative process relies on the intuitive, informed by her senses and experiences. Working from memory and emotion, she captures her yearning, full of nostalgia, reverie, and—not least of all—joy. Her work is exhibited nationally and internationally.

Instagram: @abigail_merickel