Riso Poetry Survival Kit

In hard times, we turn to poetry to give us the words to explain our feelings, to soothe our grief, and to keep us going. In this workshop, you'll choose from a selection of short poems -- or bring in a favorite of your own -- and assemble a "survival kit" zinethology (zine + anthology) to turn to when you need it, or give to a friend/comrade/lover/family member when they need it. We'll learn how to print an 8-page zine using the scanner bed of the Risograph printer and experiment with drop caps, marginalia and embellishment, registration, legibility, color layering, and the Riso's built-in image-modifying effects. We'll also do some basic long-arm-stapler zine-binding. You'll learn how to make a double-sided zine using just the scanner bed and several ways to bind it. You'll take home several copies of your little anthology, a charm to offer strength in times both light and heavy.

This workshop is suitable for people with zero Risograph printing experience; you will learn the basics of Riso printing. We won't be going too in-depth on the history or various functionalities of the Riso, however, so keep that in mind. This workshop is suitable for anyone looking to deepen their scanner bed Riso printing or poetry reading practice(s). If you bring in a poem to contribute, you'll receive instructions for how big it can be; 20 lines or less is encouraged!

$40-$55 Sliding Scale Admission, all materials included.

About the instructor:

Basil (Gi) Lee (they/them) is a Riso printer, poet, librarian, and Soapbox board member. They consider the Risograph to be an instrument/collaborator and printmaking to be performance. At the core of their work is an appreciation for the way analog media uplifts and empowers people and communities, facilitates the spread of information, and brings joy and style to life. Work and garden updates can be found at earth99language.substack.com.

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