CRAFT PROFILE: Screenprinting

It’s hard to think of a more iconic or visually in-your-face craft than screenprinting. Unlike other crafts, screenprinting has maintained a steady air of cool since its popularisation by 60s pop-art greats Warhol, Lichtenstein and Rauschenberg.

History

Derived from stencilling, screenprinting originated in China in the 900s. The technique made its way to Western Europe in the 18th century but was not commonly used until the wider availability of silk mesh from the East. In England, screenprinting was patented in 1907 as a technique for producing fine silk and linen wallpaper. In 1910 printers experimented with creating stencils from photo-sensitive chemicals to develop a more industrial process. Although screenprinting was used by artists long before the 1900s, the term “Serigraphy” emerged in the 1930s to differentiate the artistic application from its commercial use.

The Experts

Writing about his Marilyn Monroe prints, Warhol said “...you get the same image, slightly different each time. It was all so simple quick and chancy. I was thrilled with it". This sense of thrill is the appeal for many screenprint artists.

Lucie Summers of Summersville explains ‘There's something very satisfying about every stage of screen printing - for my particular 'look' it's about designing with paper and pen and the anticipation of sending off my design to be made into a screen. When it arrives, I tear off the packaging, and everything else (the washing up, the housework, the kids) is forgotten. Then there's the deciding of colours, the mixing of inks and that feeling of excitement when you pull the first print and take a peek - it never gets boring. It's so satisfying, and at the risk of sounding overly romantic, it's a magical process.’

loveheart - screenprinted fabric in orange zest by Summersville

weave screen printed fabric in teal blue by Summersville

Dee Beale’s designs are ‘very graphic and pattern based possibly because I spent many years as a graphic designer, this seems to lend itself to the screen printing process. Many things including nature, animals and plant forms inspire me, I’m also a big fan of Mid Century and Scandinavian design which is often reflected in my work.'

Song Thrushes in Scandinavian Red by Dee Beale

Nordic Blue Hares by Dee Beale

London based South African Luzelle van der Westhuizen is the designer behind Mengsel. She is inspired by geometric and hand-drawn patterns, African and Scandinavian design. After attending a short course of 3 classes, she ‘learned the rest on my own. Quite a journey! I'm still learning new things every day and I feel like there's a whole lot more to explore.’

Limited Edition Moka Express silkscreen prints on coloured Fabriano paper drying by Mengsel

"Nightingale" silkscreen print in chartreuse detail by Mengsel

Kate McLelland’s work is inspired by the holidays in Europe she took as a child as well as myths, legends and folk tales.

London Skyline screen print by Kate McLelland

Barn Owl screen print by Kate McLelland

Screenprinting duo Peris and Corr fell in love with the versatility of the technique when studying for their Fine Art degrees. ‘We loved the fact that you can print on loads of different surfaces’, explains Jen. ‘Our work is inspired by hand drawn typography and wildlife, inevitable due to our location in the Snowdonia National Park. We try and keep a natural and hand made feel to all our designs.’ They run a series of print and textile workshops, including screeprinting using paper-cut stencils.

Lliain Lestri Welsh tea towel by Peris and Corr

Lliain Llestri Adar Bird Print Tea Towel by Peris and Corr

Lee May Foster of Bonbi Forest is also inspired by nature. In an Etsy interview she describes the roots of her designs ‘which feature many a critter, creature and scape of trees, sea and sky. I like to explore patterns, rhythms and stories, and the connection of people to nature. ‘ Having discovered screenprinting by ‘accident’ when searching for a cheap gift idea, Lee May has worked with Bat for Lashes and her work has been featured in Grazia, Look, Marie Claire, The Guardian and The Independent.

All the Kings Horses Slouch Sweater by Bonbi Forest

Mens Triangle Dog Tee by Bonbi Forest

Methods

Although there are several techniques, the basic process remains the same – an image is applied to a fine mesh screen (traditionally silk) to create a stencil. Ink is then forced through the mesh with a rubber blade (squeegee) onto paper or fabric below. There are several ways to create a stencil for screenprinting – the most simple is to cut a design from paper and attach it to the bottom of the screen – check out this great tutorial from Lee May. Other methods include painting a negative image directly to the screen with an impermeable filler material. You can also check out these great screenprinting tutorials by Tiina Teaspoon from previous issues of UK Handmade Magazine:

• Screenprinting of fabric with paper stencils: p110 of Summer 2010 issue
• Screendrawing fluids and screen filler screenprinting: p102 of Winter 2010 issue

Tools and Materials

To get started, you will need a few items of specialist kit which can easily be found in most craft stores or online. For a basic screenprinting kit you need

• Screen printing fabric ink
• A screen – either ”off the shelf” or homemade by tightly stretching and staple-gunning 43T screenprinting mesh over a cheap canvas stretcher frame
• A squeegee
• Plain paper
• Craft knife
• Roll of masking tape
• Paper or fabric to print on

Featured crafters

• Summersville
• Dee Beale
• Mengsel
• Kate McClelland
• Peris and Corr
• Bonbi Forest