The Block

Here are a couple new ones I’m working on…

These are 2 remote controlled military robots that are in production and in use today. The top one is a SWORDS and can be weaponized in different configurations. The bottom one is an backpack sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle by Honeywell. The UAV is remote controlled or programmable eye in the sky that is unarmed.

I’m both fascinated by and terrified of these things. On one hand, they are just really cool - in the same way that a guy might be attracted to action movies, loud motorcycles or the latest technological gadgetry. On the other hand, these are real things that exist and operate today in real war zones. They are also real things that you may find helping out with domestic security jobs - I know of one US city that is using this UAV to keep an eye on crowds at public events.

My process, at present:

• Get an idea
• Do a few studies
• Pick a size to work with and cut a block from 1/2″ birch plywood
• Draw key image on the block using charcoal or soft pencil
• Cut key block
• Proof key block
• Envision the print in color, do color studies
• Proof and transfer key image to another block
• Mix oil based ink according to studies or other references. Oil based relief ink
• Proceed with all colors, except black, from that single block - reduction style. All printing is done with a small plastic disk baren from Japan.
• Decide what info to remove/cut away from key block
• Print key block over the colors
• Done

I always hate to finish a print and not feel like it is a little better than the last one. That was the case here. The first image is the second attempt at color mixing and printing. I’m glad I took the time to reexamine the colors and the overall approach. I’m much more satisfied with the redo. I guess that is what they call learning the hard way. I’m trying to move toward a richer image with a little more nuance, if not more detail.

Here are the results of the previously mentioned print.

In addition to the stamp patterning, I’ve made an effort to have the non-image area remain completely clean. Sometimes I like to allow some atmospheric cut wood texture to print, but sometimes it just looks messy. I have started cutting blocks out with a jig saw to address this issue. I first got the idea by seeing pictures of Bill Fick printing his mangled floating heads at http://evilprints.com/. Then I saw the couple from Tugboat Printshop do a demo on youtube. At that point, it finally sank in and I started to cut my blocks out too. A band saw would be better than a jig saw, but I’m not sure I can justify getting a bandsaw for that single purpose.

The other thing that is helping me print cleaner these days is remembering to spray laquer my blocks before inking so I can simply wipe away and stray ink with a paper towel. Not exactly rocket science, but it wasn’t obvious to me.

In one block I’m currently working on, there is a shirt that has a butterfly pattern on it. I decided to cut a little stamp from an eraser. I used the stamp to create the shirt pattern on the block. To cut the eraser I used an exacto knife and my main v-gouge. For ink I used a little hobby store stamp pad. The cut butterflies are all somewhat uniform, but with slight variations from the cutting. I think it will be pretty cool!

Here is the latest block. I need to get another big sheet of birch plywood before I proceed. At this point, Im planning 3-4 colors with patterning.

I would like to take a crack at some larger pieces - maybe some life size figures. I’ve been looking at how others have figured out innovative ways of printing on that scale. Not sure if I’m quite ready to undertake a 6 footer yet, but it won’t be long.

I’m also thinking about doing some small etchings with some of that background patterning. Stay tuned.

I’ve entered a few juried shows lately in an attempt to create a more regular flow of exhibition opportunities. If I’m creating editions of 5 or 10 prints at a time, I need to work harder to get them out there and find them new homes. Or at least to get them out to be seen by as broad an audience as possible. Another reason for entering these things is to help me quicker and better at putting these submissions packets together. The first one seemed like a ton of time and work but it seems to get easier every time.

The reception for my show (7/20/07) went really well. Lots of people turned out and the response was great. It was fun to meet and talk to so many new people as well as seeing those that I haven’t seen in a while. Thanks to everyone who came by! Thanks to Allison and Margaret at Green Rice Gallery.
I drew, cut and printed a small woodcut of a friend throughout the night. That was a lot of fun and encouraged people to interact with the artist.

The following day I drove down Jacksonville, FL. Whenever I’m there I like to stop by MOCA Jacsonville. They had tons of prints on display by some big names. I was especially interested in several Helen Frankenthaler woodcuts for their transparent layering and textural features. I’ve always overlooked her work but it really grabbed me this time.

These are the last portraits for a little while. I am currently getting ready for a show at Green Rice Gallery. Framing is not very glamorous way to spend my art time, but I can do it better or at least a whole lot cheaper than a frame shop. I’m very eager to get to the next set of blocks though.

I said I probably wouldn’t do any patterning for the next couple prints, but I changed my my. These 2 prints (each will be 3 color, so stay tuned for progress) are the last pieces Ill be completing before a show at Green Rice Gallery for the month of July.

Dino:

Don: