Nest prints

Here is part of my "nest" ruminations. I purchased a Bible and what seems to be a Chinese Hymnal several months ago at a Goodwill in Phoenix. The paper is very thin, translucent almost and the text is delicate enough to read as an overall value in the background. I took the books to Kinko's and had the spines cut off - I felt really bad doing that to the Bible...But I did it anyway. And yesterday I started cutting this nest into a small linoblock I had laying around in the studio. It was all very impulsive. I stopped cutting and printed a proof, but I was so surprised by how well it looked I didn't bother revising the cut block at all instead I began printing my edition of 25. Yea! I love them. Please forgive the magnet included in the image of the print. They were still hanging up to dry when I photographed them.

BTW if anyone knows someone who can read Chinese characters I am very interested in learning what is written on the pages on which I printed. Thanks!

Ch Ch Ch Changes...

I am working on everything right now trying to tie up loose ends before beginnings more projects. The self portrait is really coming together. I worked into the cacti on the right hand side of the canvas and back into my shirt. It won't be long now for this one I think.

I have worked on the second panel of this piece as well, but the photo turned out blurry. I'll post it at a later date. I envision this piece as part of a larger wooden frame that maybe has hinged doors; but I think for the sake of the portfolio I will end for the time being by cradling the plywood. The advanced carpentry will have to happen at a later date.

Above is a quick snap of another linocut I am beginning for the portfolio - a grackle. I haven't worked out the composition entirely (even though I have begun cutting). Below is another linocut I will include. I have been working tirelessly to get a good print from this block, but my efforts with the press have yielded nothing. My next attempt will be done by hand with a barren on rice paper. I am currently thinking I will make this a two color piece by printing a second image in the large expanse of space in the top left corner.

Lino Mania

We went away this weekend to Monument Valley where I took this photo. Seeing the landscape for myself gave me a little insight into the painting I am working on right now.

Today, the first day back in town getting myself settled I opted to work on more linoleum cutting. The pattern of ellipses I cut today and intend to use as a background for a painting. The finches were cut the same day as the sparrows - also intended as background.

I printed the ellipses on a 2 foot square piece of wood that was languishing in my studio. The design didn't print very evenly as the wood is beginning to warp, but I think it is interesting nonetheless. Check back for more linoleum fascination.

Lino Sparrows

I am having a little more fun today.

These sparrows are a lino cut. The block is small with only two sparrows cut into it, so to get this look I printed the block three times on the sheet of paper.

First in a series of linocuts.

I have had these linoleum blocks sitting in my studio for a year now. I've always liked the graphic quality of block prints, and was excited to make some myself. But somehow I couldn't find the impetus to put an image on the lino and cut. But here it is...

The image is 3" x 4" printed on a normal size piece of tan cardstock. The print was just a test so the contact isn't good, and it isn't the finished product. I have to get over to the art store and peruse their paper selections. I am thinking I would like to try and print the image on a thin paper, maybe rice paper, something that is light. And I am going to pick up another block - or two. There may be some more lino cuts on the way.