Description of residency program
The electro-etching residency-workshop introduces the artist to an alternative printmaking technique, safer than traditional intaglio etching. It uses a completely non-toxic electrical process, avoiding totally the harmful acids, sprays, rosins and asphalts for aquatints used in traditional etching.

The artist Alfonso Crujera, a master printmaker and specialist in the different techniques employed when etching with electrolysis leads the residency-workshop.

The resident artist will be introduced to the fascinating process of electro-etching copper and zinc plates. He will have access to the master’s direct and personal assistance and will have the opportunity to develop their current knowledge of non-toxic etching using electricity, applying these techniques to their own work. The artist will also learn how to assemble an electro-etching unit themselves, so they will be able to continue electro-etching in their own studio back home.

Program

Theoretical content

Rudiments of electrolysis
History of electro-etching
Principles of electro-etching
The electro-etching unit
Practical content

Preparation of the plate, including filing and degreasing
Hardground, etching lines
Electrotint with open bite
Graphite resists for lines and electrotint
Soft ground
Passive electro-etching on zinc plates
Semi-dry electro-etching
Alternative resists (lithographic pencil, oxidation, splashing, etc.)
Use of studio and professional attention
A reasonable timetable will be offered to guide and advise the artists on the technique of electro-etching, four hours a day for five days a week. The workshop will be at their disposal 24 hours a day. The necessary equipment to etch (electrolytic unit, tools, acrylic and oil based resists, proof inks, solvents) will be provided at the workshop.

Grant explanation
Two individual grants for two artists under thirty, Fine Arts graduates between 2013 and 2017 with experience in intaglio printmaking.

The grant consists of free accommodation for two weeks and the trip to and from the airport to the residence at the beginning and end of the stay. This represents a saving of the artist of 475 €.

Those selected must pay their trip to Gran Canaria, their food, and instruction in electro-etching.

Workshop and instruction: 1,235 €

Price does not include papers and plates, which should be brought by the artist.

Health Insurance is obligatory.

Accommodation
Each artists accommodation consists of a single room with a private bathroom and shower, and kitchen to prepare food, free internet, and an art library.

Location of the residence-workshop
The island of Gran Canaria, Spain

Dates for the residence

July 15th to 29th, 2018
August 19th to September 2nd, 2018
Application Information
To apply for the grant artists should send an e-mail to electro@crujera.com including a CV, copy of graduation certificate, brief biography, five pictures of prints and a statement of why he/she wants to attend the Electro-etching workshop (200 words maximum).

Selection process
A committee from to the residence-workshop will make the selection of the two artists based mainly on the applicant's artwork and the statement of interest.

Applicants will be informed before January 10th, 2018.