Key Takeaways:
- The risograph is a unique printing machine that combines elements of photocopying and silkscreen printing
- The machine uses a combination of ink drums and stencils to produce bright, transparent, and layered colors
- The risograph has been adopted by artists as a tool for creating distinctive and aesthetically pleasing prints
- The machine has its own set of limitations and quirks, including finicky printing and color registration issues
- Artists are drawn to the risograph’s unique appearance and the creative challenges it presents
Introduction to the Risograph
The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown is home to a unique and intriguing machine known as the risograph. At first glance, it may appear to be a standard office copier, but it is actually a specialized printing device that has been gaining popularity among artists in recent years. The risograph was invented in Japan in the 1980s and was originally intended for use in offices and schools. However, its ability to produce high-quality, multi-colored prints quickly and efficiently has made it an attractive tool for artists looking to create unique and distinctive works.
The Risograph’s Capabilities and Limitations
The risograph works by using a combination of ink drums and stencils to produce prints. The machine can print at a rate of over 100 copies per minute, making it a fast and efficient way to produce multiple copies of an image. However, the risograph also has its own set of limitations and quirks. For example, only one color can be printed at a time, so multi-colored images require multiple passes through the machine. Additionally, the machine can be finicky, and the color registration and intensity can vary from print to print. Despite these limitations, artists are drawn to the risograph’s unique appearance and the creative challenges it presents.
The Artistic Appeal of the Risograph
One of the key advantages of the risograph is its ability to produce bright, transparent, and layered colors. The machine uses a specially formulated soy-based ink that never fully dries, which can create interesting and unpredictable effects. Artists can use the risograph to create a wide range of prints, from simple posters and postcards to complex and layered artworks. The machine’s unique appearance and capabilities have made it a popular choice among artists, who appreciate the creative challenges and opportunities it presents. For example, Vicky Tomayko, an artist and manager of the Work Center print shop, has used the risograph to create a range of prints, including a playful and colorful image of fish swimming through a landscape filled with whimsical plants and animals.
The Risograph in Practice
The risograph has been used in a variety of contexts, from creating broadsides and posters to producing zines and other self-published materials. At the Fine Arts Work Center, the machine has been used by a range of artists, including visual arts fellows and local community members. The center has also offered workshops and classes on using the risograph, which have been popular among artists and printmakers. For example, Tomayko has used the risograph to create a calendar with other fellows and community members, which features a range of images and designs printed in bright, vibrant colors.
The Unique Aesthetic of the Risograph
The risograph’s unique aesthetic is a key part of its appeal to artists. The machine’s ability to produce bright, transparent, and layered colors creates a distinctive and eye-catching effect. The risograph’s prints often have a slightly rough or DIY quality, which can be appealing to artists who are looking for a more handmade or artisanal approach to printmaking. Additionally, the machine’s limitations and quirks can actually become a part of the creative process, as artists learn to work with and around the machine’s idiosyncrasies. As Tomayko notes, "You have to work with the limitations, or maybe they are not limitations as much as they are a charming part of the appearance of a riso."
Conclusion
The risograph is a unique and fascinating machine that has been adopted by artists as a tool for creating distinctive and aesthetically pleasing prints. Its combination of ink drums and stencils, along with its specially formulated soy-based ink, creates a distinctive and eye-catching effect. While the machine has its own set of limitations and quirks, these can actually become a part of the creative process, as artists learn to work with and around the machine’s idiosyncrasies. As the risograph continues to gain popularity among artists and printmakers, it will be interesting to see how it is used and adapted in a variety of contexts, from fine art to self-published materials and beyond.
