Linocut Reduction with Michelle Kaczmarcik
This beginner block printing class introduces the core techniques of relief printmaking, from designing a simple image to carving it into a block and printing it by hand. We’ll go over how to transfer your design, safely use carving tools, and work with ink and paper to create clear, expressive prints. Along the way, you’ll get a sense of how line, texture, and contrast come into play in this tactile, hands-on process.
The focus is on learning by doing, with plenty of time to experiment and troubleshoot as you go. You’ll come away with a small edition of prints, your carved block, and a foundational understanding of the tools and materials involved. This class is a practical, low-pressure entry point into a process that can be adapted for use at home with minimal equipment.
Class Details
Date: Saturday, September 27, 10am-3pm
Duration: 10am-3pm (includes hour break)
Cost: $150
Materials Provided
About Michelle Kaczmarcik
Michelle is a relief printmaker who works primarily with linoleum blocks using the reduction method to create detailed and colorful limited-edition prints. With a strong preference for oil-based inks and lightweight Japanese papers, her process is both technical and intuitive. A background in photo editing and graphic design informs the structure, clarity, and layout of her compositions, while patterns and textures found in nature—and often her garden—provide continuous inspiration.
Most editions are printed on a small etching press, often involving upwards of seven color layers per piece. The artist is deeply motivated by the design process, frequently selecting color palettes before deciding on subject matter, and experimenting with registration to ensure precision throughout the many pulls. Each carving stage reveals a new color layer that builds upon the last, resulting in a composition that requires intense focus and rewards patience.
For Michelle, the technique is as fulfilling as the finished piece. The process invites continual experimentation and research into linocut and woodblock styles, fueling future projects. Each new print feels like the beginning of an ongoing creative journey—one filled with curiosity and the ever-present excitement of discovery.