A Research Resource and
Workshop Guide for
Artists, Educators and Printmakers

Tom
Drew, acrylic resist
etching
Friedhard Kiekeben, Shatter, etched brass object
This
resource is dedicated to the dissemination of recent research into
alternatives to the toxic hazards of traditional printmaking. New printmaking systems developed
since the mid 1980s offer safer methods that have been backed through
research and scientific testing. Nontoxic Printmaking offers exciting and expanded creative
possibilities, whilst being true to the aesthetic and rich heritage of
printed art.
The
need for change in the field of printmaking is compelling. Scientific
studies confirm the toxicity of many of the solvents, acids and other
materials that are found in the traditional print shop. There
is strong evidence that conventional practice is detrimental to health.
Long term practice of traditional printmaking, be it in etching,
lithography or screenprinting, may lead to serious illness in long term practitioners of the art. In education the
various traditional methods can be at odds with health and safety
regulations.
The
new methodology has matured over two decades of intense growth and
development and is increasingly being accepted as mainstream practice.
Many articles and books have been published on the subject but to the
outsider this apparent diversity may be confusing. This new resource
endeavors to present recent developments with clarity and within a more
unified framework; it includes invited contributions from artists,
innovators and members of the scientific community as well as links to
many print-related resources. The site aims to build into a forum for contemporary Printmaking Innovation.
Friedhard Kiekeben
Friedhard Kiekeben (RCA), main author and editor of www.nontoxicprint.com
works as an artist and researcher and is Professor of Printmaking at
Columbia College Chicago. Affiliations include key experts in
contemporary printmaking research such as Professor Keith Howard
(RIT), author of The Contemporary Printmaker.
Please note that the term Non-toxic
has become synonymous with safety conscious practice. Non-toxic
processes still use a variety of chemicals, and the ultimate safety of
any material and process is dependent on their informed use.
This is a not-for-profit resource; it serves the advancement of knowledge in printmaking.
You are very welcome to use, copy and quote information from this resource.
Please acknowledge the intellectual rights of all authors and sources.
Where possible, all contributions and links are published with permission.
Please contact us should you not wish to be referenced within this resource.