For her 2018 installation for the exhibition Changing Course at NOMA, Katrina Andry created large woodcuts on paper that hung from the ceiling. The lushness implied by the large-scale prints of vegetation also provides commentary on the challenges that many Black communities faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Many families found it difficult to return to New Orleans and struggled to rebuild their homes. Andry’s all over design inspired this activity.

These prints have repeating elements, created by repeating the printing process several times to make the same shapes again and again.  In this activity, we will create a roller stamp by adding or building up the areas we want to print using craft foam.

*Look for “Hints” below the directions, like subbing household materials.

MATERIALS

• Lint roller or toilet paper roll 
• Craft foam* 
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ball-point pen
• Acrylic paint (and a plate or paper for a palette)
• Paint brush
• Paper

DIRECTIONS

1. Draw the shapes that you want to print on the craft foam and cut out the shapes.

3. Place the shapes on the sticky surface of the lint roller OR glue shapes onto the toilet paper roll and let it dry. 

4. Put a dollop of paint on a plate (or makeshift palette) and use a brayer, a piece of cardboard, or a paint brush to spread it out.

5. Roll your roller stamp in the prepared paint, coating all the raised shapes that stick out from the surface. Press gently as you roll it onto paper.

 

* HINTS

• Don’t have craft foam? Try using Styrofoam from an egg carton or veggie container.
• Practice a few times on scrap paper before you print your All Over Print.
• It is less messy if you apply the paint with a paintbrush.
• A large inkpad can be substituted for paint, like a stamp! 

 

EXTENSION

Print with one color and let it dry, then go back over with a second color!