Currently printing is the theme, block and lino particularly.
I have dabbled a little with timber and stamps in the past!
Interested in block printing especially and working in solid timber and ply.
some of the things I am learning re these two
- timber is not homogenous like lino, it has faults and grain
- Ply provides a standard thickness which is important through the rollers, use quality ply, solid timber is harder to get in wide sections but variable depth of cut is less of a problem
- be aware of the grain, use it or lose it by filling or sealing
- when working with ply it is important to look at the thickness of the veneers, natural weakness occurs along the join lines.
- what is the optimal depth for relief?
- be bold when beginning, small and fine detail are challenging, don’t be afraid to produce larger work
- experiment with both end and long grain
Have been experimenting and attempting to build skill and repertoire in cutting styles.
Below I am playing with traditional wood chisels for “chopping” relief blocks, and routing designs with a dremel.
Independent learning is fine, but there is nothing like learning with others. Am just in the process of joining the Stokers Siding based Community Printmakers group.
I am interested in
- Media types to print on
- paper making
- method of preparation and printing, inking, press etc.
- design and considerations when ideating and preparing artwork for lino or block preparation
- methods of preparation and transfer of cut lines and design