Steamroller Printmaking

In spring 2023, I organized a steamroller printmaking event at Manifest, the Columbia College end-of-year celebration. A steamroller, or “paver”, was used to roll over massive plywood relief blocks, resulting in prints that would otherwise be too large to accomplish on the school’s traditional equipment. The blocks were designed and fabricated by my Sculpture II students with the CNC mill, a tool that can physically carve designs from digital files. The event was also covered by the local TV news.

Alas, the legal department wouldn't let me drive!
Students inking up plates
Relief blocks lined up for printing. Photo: Meghann Sottile
Staff members show off a finished print. Photo: Meghann Sotille

Many thanks to the Columbia College fabrication facility staff, Kari Sommers, and Tony Rickabaugh for helping to make this project a reality. A special shout-out also goes to Deborah Lader at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, who inspired the event in the first place.