Obsolete Press Presents: Analog Counterculture & Low-Tech Publishing

Before there was social media, even before photo-copied zines, artists and writers found ways to publish their creations using stencil prints (mimeographs) dye-transfer prints (hectographs) and alcohol transfers (spirit duplication). Developed during the industrial revolution for copying documents without the use of a printing press, these quick and cheap techniques have been used by Avant Garde artists and poets, political dissidents and underground publishers since the 1800s.

In this hands-on workshop, Rich Dana and Leisha Stanek of Obsolete Press share the history of pre-Xerox copier technologies and how contemporary artists and writers are using them to publish small editions of zines, chapbooks, prints, and flyers free from the constraints of the publishing industry, corporate social media platforms and A.I. algorithms.

The Hectograph and Spirit Duplication:
Long before ink jet or laser printers, the hectograph was used to make copies when a printing press was not available. Using only dye-based ink and a tray of rubbery gelatin, anyone could produce publications for their class, club, office or organization. The Hectograph was also used by artists like Edvard Munch as a low-cost alternative to lithography.

Learn how to make and use the hectograph (and its mechanical counterpart the spirit duplicator) to create quick and easy editions of zines, chapbooks, posters, flyers and cards. Each workshop participant will leave with an edition of prints and the knowledge (and a starter kit!) to continue printing at home.

Mimeography and Stencil Printing:
Have you ever wished that you could create those colorful Risograph prints without the giant Riso machine? Meet the Mimeograph! In the 1870’s a Hungarian immigrant working in a Chicago kite factory invented a stencil paper that made it easy to print on paper without a printshop. David Gestetner’s stencil paper, along with a small desktop duplicating press introduced by Thomas Edison and A.B. Dick, sparked a revolution in indie publishing and later led to the development of the Risograph.

Learn how to create stencils, how to operate a mimeograph, and even how to print from stencils with no mimeo or riso machine at all! Workshop participants will learn about the history and technology of the mimeograph and then dive into hands-on instruction.

Level: Students of all skill levels
Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, February 7th & 8th (2pm-5pm)
Max. no of students: 10
Instructor: Rich Dana
Cost: $150 (includes all materials)
Members receive a 10% discount off the cost of the workshop, among other benefits.
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