Our goal is to deliver a dynamic and expanding CPD programme that contributes to the development of knowledge, understanding, expertise and practice through low cost training for artists, craftspeople and designers, referred to as techno-crafts.

The South West has the highest proportion of trained skilled applied arts and crafts workers in the country, however there has been an increasing disparity between the production methods of these bespoke designers and the volume production industry. One of the long-term aims of the Centre for Fine Print Research is to improve the interface between the designer and industry. By using contemporary technology the designers can produce bespoke designs that can be directly translated into industrial production methods without lengthy, and therefore, costly re-engineering.

The programmes are aimed at, amongst others, artists, designers, craftspeople, communicators, teachers and managers. They offer the opportunity for professional updating, for learning new skills and techniques, and for intellectual stimulus.

Continuing Professional Development Courses in Lasers for artists and designers

Laser cutting machines are a fast and effective method of cutting, engraving/etching and marking papers, textiles, wood and many types of plastics. The use of this technology in many industries has massively increased over recent years.

The Centre for Fine Print Research has been developing its flat bed laser facilities since 2004. The centre, in collaboration with Senior Research Fellow Janet Stoyel, has pioneered methodologies for artists, designers and craftspeople. Within the wider university the laser facilities have been utilised by various departments, one of this year's success stories being textile student Megan Taylor, winner of the DKNY prize at New Designers. The centre has three laser machines for cutting wood, paper and plastics.

Course Leaders

Jane Taylor - Jane has worked as Senior Technical Instructor in Machine Knit for the past five years and more recently has taken on the same role within the laser department.

Claire Humphries - Claire worked in industry for four years specialising as a laser consultant mainly within the textiles industry. Her most recent projects have focused on promoting the use of laser technology throughout the design industry.

Continuing Professional Development Courses in Applied Arts

Over the past two years the Centre for Fine Print Research has developed its Applied Arts work including the work undertaken in Enamel on metal through the work of Senior Research Fellow Elizabeth Turrell and the research and development undertaken in photo ceramics and CNC low cost milling technology with David Huson. The university has recently funded the purchase and installation of a large-scale purpose-built enamel kiln. The kiln is the largest of its kind in an educational institution in the UK. It is used to support research into large-scale enamel, as well as being used for CPD courses and the centre is undertaking further initiatives which include:

Expansion of large-scale public art commissions

Hire of the kiln by artists wishing to create their own work or undertake large enamel commissions

Collaborations with industry
Continuing research into print in enamel

There are also a new series of one-day courses for artists to learn bookbinding skills:

- A Laser Cutting Master Class for book artists

- Two day professional training in lasers

- One Day Advanced Laser Techniques

- Sample Service

- One Week Masterclass - Bookbinding for Artists

- One Week Masterclass - Laser Cutting and Book structures for artists books: Led by Guy Begbie and Claire Humphries

To find out more visit:
amd.uwe.ac.uk/index.asp?pageid=1042