All Things Gocco.
I recently got an education on just what exactly a Gocco is. This cute Gocco print above is from my new friend and talented illustrator Michael Wertz (more fabulousness from him to come on Monday!), who gave me a mini lesson and a wonderful show & tell on all things Gocco.
A Gocco is a small, self-contained compact color printing system invented in 1977 by Noboru Hayama. It's like a mini screen printer. Using flash bulbs similar to those found in old cameras, an original image is thermally imprinted onto a master screen. The name "print gocco" is derived from the Japanese word and concept gokko, loosely translated as a type of 'make-believe play used to learn common rules and knowledge'. And the process almost does seem to be a mock form of screen printing. It is very simplified, quite like a little Susy Homemaker Easy-Bake Oven.
I Take Every Corner Like A Dance Floor notecards, from Tineseamonster.In 2005, Gocco's parent company, Riso Kagaku Corporation, announced it would end production of the Gocco system due to low sales in Japan. An explosive Internet campaign and movement was immediately started to find a new home for the product. Save Gocco was created by fans trying to keep the company alive, working together to find a new home for Gocco outside Japan. It hopes to be an easy-to-use starting point for all things Gocco, equipping an almost obsessive cult-like group of fans with simple Gocco-friendly tools to help promote it's continuation. I think I'm in. C'mon, join the cult - you can locate the hard to find printer and supplies here and start making your own Goccos!
Happy Sun, from Matte Stephens.
15 comments:
Very informative! I'd heard of Gocco but didn't really know what it was, exactly. This cleared a few things up.
I've been coveting one for a couple of years now but just haven't put out the dough ... luckily, a friend just bought one so we're going to have some crafting sessions ! Save Gocco!
Thank you for this post! I love Gocco and now I have even MORE favorites added to Etsy.
I *heart* my sugarloop Gocco print! I originally found them after finding etsy via your blog! Your blog has brought many beautiful and wonderful things into my world. Thank you Victoria!
I've already purchased labels from Remake and gift tags from Elfrida and I must say I LOVE them both.
great stuff, victoria! i just received one for christmas and have been having lots of fun so far. if you get one you will have to come on up to napa for a gocco party!
I got one for Christmas and it is really fun. I combined it with a digital print background.
My first ones are listed in my etsy shop.
Thank-you, thank-you for explaining the whole gocco question - I was finding references to them on every second blog I read but could find little info on what they were all about/their history, etc.
- Kylie
One of my friends just got one and I'm DYING to go over to her house to try it out. You've just given one of the most clear explanations of Gocco I've ever read on a blog as well, thanks!
So is gocco just for artistically talented people? I wish I could see one being used.
gracehoper - nope. i think just about anyone could do this - even kids!
Thank you so much for that Nicole - awesome information!
Thanks for posting my Gocco print on your blog. I just discovered it searching google for more Gocco info. What a nice surprise! Love, Wyanne
wyanne - you are most welcome! it is lovely!
I just wanted to thankyou for this introduction! This was the first time I had heard about Gocco, and it's AWESOME. Since reading about it, I've bought one from Etsy (which I didn't know about before, either, believe it or not!), dibbled, dabbled, and now I've set up my own shop too.
So all in all, awesome work, thanks!
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