Print Gocco is a Japanese color screen printing system developed in 1977 by Noboru Hayama. Using flash bulbs similar to those found in old cameras, an original image is thermally imprinted on a master screen. The printed area is about 3.5″ x 5″.
At one time, an estimated one-third of Japanese households owned a Print Gocco system. In the 90’s, Print Gocco slowly started to develop a following around the world as a cost-effective and efficient method of printing. In 2005, Riso corp.-the parent company of Print Gocco, announced it would end production of the Gocco system due to low sales in Japan. They claimed a sharp decrease in sales due to increased use of home computers was to blame. Even as supplies become harder to find, and more expensive, artist’s continue to produce some impressive work.
Pictured above is ‘Tiny Village’ by Kate Pugsley. Below is ‘Fuel Of The Day’ by Ink Shop and the studio with Gocco printer.
‘Cornflower Birds’ by DeeBeale.
‘Johnny Cash Calavera’ by Mis Nopales Art
If you want to find out more about Print Gocco go to Save Gocco for their collection of resources and news. An instructional video from Etsy can be found here.
We love Save Gocco!