Blue Door Print Studio

General information

The Blue Door Print Studio was originally a small, professional print studio opened in 2002, and was located between Parktown North and Parkhurst, at St Ninians Church. It was founded by master printmaker, Collin Cole, who obtained his MA in Printmaking at Rhodes University and consequently lectured printmaking at a tertiary level for 15 years. The classes have always focused on teaching the techniques of various printmaking processes such as: Serigraphy, Intaglio, Relief printing, as well as all associated photomechanical processes from First Year to Masters' level. At the same time, Collin’s teaching philosophy is rooted in nurturing artists’ and students’ creative individuality, by helping them to develop a unique visual language and aesthetic. This is achieved through a focus on the development of artistic conceptualisation, personal mark-making and iconography. For these reasons, Collin integrates his deep knowledge of art history, visual communication/methodology and drawing to equip, inspire and to expand students’ general artistic consciousness. The private studio prides itself on an culture of inclusivity, which creates an exciting exchange and dynamic conversation. The studio has offered services to more than 50 artists, and has exhibited at various contemporary galleries in Johannesburg for 14 years. However, it invites anyone with a passion for creativity and an eagerness to learn.

Since May this year, the Blue Door Print Studio has officially opened in a magnificent new location in Melville, Johannesburg. A large working space, along with a small gallery, has been created from a building with a history of many identities: from 1902 synagogue, to church, architect offices and even dereliction. With its new carmine 'red' interiors, the studio is now opening its 'blue doors' to new potential students for exciting courses to come!

Philosophy:

The Blue Door Print Studio has a two-fold teaching philosophy:
1. To teach printmaking processes.
2. And more importantly, to assist artists and students to express their own individual creativity.

Techniques offered:

• Intaglio
• Zinc plate etching both black and white, and full colour, dry point and all associated applications of the medium
• Relief printing - lino cut, wood cut, collagraph, stencil card printing
• Mono printing – direct and indirect / colour and black and white