Block Printing:

This one of the oldest methods of printmaking, originating in China over four thousand years ago and spreading across Asia, eventually reaching Europe in the 13th Century. In Türkiye, it continues to be a popular craft known as ahşap baskı (woodblock printing). James and Umut have been fortunate to have collected traditional Turkish wooden blocks, which they make available in DMC block printing workshops.

Inspired by this historic craft, James and Umut have designed and created their own blocks for printing. Through rigorous experimentation, they developed a method of 3d printing the blocks used for printing. Some of the blocks are even printed in clear resin to improve proper placement on the fabric or paper.

Around DMC and in The Shop, you’ll notice a variety of pieces that were block printed, using both historic and newly created blocks. Some of the blocks were even made from digitized LEGO prints, such as the Denton Courthouse design by James Thurman. By digitizing the original LEGO prints, the scale can be changed to facilitate the block printing process on other fabrics and papers.