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Monday, February 21, 2011

Continuing to Carve: World Tree

I'm slowly progressing on my World Tree block. It's the biggest block I've attempted yet, approximately a foot square. I'm really enjoying the detail I'm getting on it. I'm tempted once it's done to carve more blocks to colorize the thing, but the amount of work it would take is intimadating. That's a lot of carving! Here's what I've got so far, with a fun little overlay in photoshop to make it more interesting:

tree-in-progress

I've become obessed with the Edo period japanese blockprints. They were truly art for the masses. Apparently kids collected prints from their favorite artists like kids today collect baseball cards (or yugio cards, for a more up to date version) I've been reading about their process of printing, where they first created the master block which was the black outline of the whole thing. Then they would print that onto paper and paste the print onto wood blocks. At that point using the prints of the master block, they would carve the areas of color. I don't know how people do it now, but I'm tempted to try a version of that myself.

Having no formal art training can leave me in the lurch sometimes. Things that are obvious to someone trained are not to me, but I'm hoping that I can make up for that with innovation and a willingness to experiment. Sometimes though a little help can make all the difference. My friend Sara is studying Photography, and she's been invaluable to me explaining photoshop. Sometimes the best thing to do is find a friend who can help you!

If any of you are interested in classic wood carved block printing, here are a few of my favorite websites:

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7 comments:

  1. VanyeFebruary 21, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Wow. This is turning out so awesome. :)

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    This is really beautiful! I'm so surprised you have no formal art training.

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  3. CinquefoilFebruary 21, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Oh, absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to see more.

    Pia

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  4. dandelionladyFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    Thanks all! I really appreciate the encouragement. :)

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  5. Jenny February 26, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Wow, this is going to be one AMAZING print.....my mind boggles how you can do this and know which bits to carve out, which bits to leave..you are truly a talented natural! :)

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  6. AnonymousMarch 7, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    this is truly excellent!!! Bravo, three cheers, etc. etc.....

    As for how to print the full range of colors without carving additional blocks.... Couldn't you just try using the one block, but just inking the black first. letting that dry. then ink just the green parts, and overprinting the black. let that dry and ink the brown, and overprint the green/black.... Maybe I'm 'over simplifying' or just plain thinking about it wrong, but that's what I'd do.... Seems to me in an art class in school, we did linoleum cuts this way, too....... I can't wait to see how this progresses! :)

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  7. HeatherSeptember 5, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    this is gorgeous. I have drawn trees for years and am in love with the tree of life and celtic knotwork. I look forward to seeing the finished product!

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