[4.4] Task 4: Manual Scripts and Potato Printing (Optional task)
Welcome to the Manual Script and Potato Printing task. This page explores the value of handwriting and manual printing in an age dominated by digital tools. Writing by hand or crafting words through potato stamps slows the pace of expression, reminding us that inscription is not only functional but also material and tactile. Unlike typing, which allows instant revision and efficiency (Bolter, 2001), manual processes reveal flaws and variations, highlighting the artistry of imperfection. The physical act of carving and pressing letters evokes older technologies of print, much like the letterpress celebrated in Cooke's (2012) film, while also resonating with Innis's (2007) insight that every medium shapes culture through its temporal and spatial biases. By experimenting with potato printing and handwritten scripts, we recover the sensory, labor-intensive qualities of writing that digital media often obscure. This blending of tradition and creativity fosters a deeper appreciation for how we write, communicate, and connect across various media.
The Touch of Text: Exploring the Tactile Nature of Writing
The Touch of Text: Exploring the Tactile Nature of Writing invites students to slow down and experience writing as a physical, sensory act. Through activities like handwriting and potato printing, this unit highlights how the materiality of text shapes not only what we write but also how we think and feel about expression.
