Nurture

This is my first attempt at a concept that I came up with about a week ago.  I had to come up with a response piece to some printmaking work that I did with some kids from the Boys and Girls Club.  The Boys and Girls Club work and this piece are on display at the LCVA Gallery in Adrian, MI.  My challenge was to come up with a response piece that i can also use for a solo show later this fall.  This proof is somewhat crude for about 10 different reasons but it’s on the right track.  The ink was not entirely dry when I hand painted it and the rusty ink bled quite a bit.  I’ll paint another one in about a week.  Hopefully the ink will be drier by then.  I used shina wood with Flexcut tools.  

“Nurture”, Woodcut, 4×6

Woodcut no. 2

As I pulled in the driveway coming home from work I noticed a box on my doorstep.  ”Yes!”, I said.  My wood finally arrived from McClains Printmaking Supply Store.  I ordered a box full of shina plywood as recommended by printmaker Annette Haines.  I couldn’t wait.  I pulled out my new Flexcut carving tools and got started right away.  My first attempt at woodcutting I used some dried up pieces of bark from Dick Blick which didnt cut very well.  This wood is much nicer and much softer.  Don’t look at the block too closely.  In my hurry to get started I used a liner to outline the leaf image as I normally do with lino, but it didn’t work too well.  I know I have to learn how to use a knife to exact more detail…..I just couldn’t hold myself back.  I plan on using a knife for the next one.