What is RISO?

Risograph printing is a form of printmaking made from a digital duplicator machine. Similar to screen printing, each color is layered on individually with a new stencil, however the process happens with the help of a Risograph machine. This allows artists to create interesting blends of colors from a limited palette. 

RISO machines use soy-based inks and makes rice paper masters as the artwork stencil, making it much more environmentally friendly than other printmaking methods. These machines also use less electric power compared a traditional digital duplicator, so they are a bit more energy friendly as well. 

The vibrant colors and textures it creates is so singular to the medium, and that’s what makes RISO such an awesome art form! I feel incredibly lucky to have found it and am so interested to learn more :)