Today's postings

  1. [Baren 31593] Re: Cairn blocks have been mailed ("Carol Myers")
  2. [Baren 31594] dogs (Charles Morgan)
  3. [Baren 31595] hello and question (Rebecca Brame)
  4. [Baren 31596] Re: dogs (Derek Andrews)
  5. [Baren 31597] RE: dogs ("Maria Arango")
  6. [Baren 31598] Re: Cairn blocks have been mailed ("Robert Viana")
  7. [Baren 31599] Re: hello and question ("Ellen Shipley")
  8. [Baren 31600] Re: hello and question ("Marissa ")
  9. [Baren 31601] Re: hello and question ("carolwagner")
  10. [Baren 31602] Re: hello and question (Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com)
  11. [Baren 31603] Summit (L Cass)
  12. [Baren 31604] RE: New Baren Digest (Text) V36 #3595 (Aug 24, 2006) (Legreenart # cs.com)
  13. [Baren 31605] Interesting story at TheInterMountain.com (robert # robertviana.com)
  14. [Baren 31606] Re: Baren Digest (old) V36 #3589 ("Marilynn Smith")
  15. [Baren 31607] Re: Baren Digest (old) V36 #3593 ("Marilynn Smith")
  16. [Baren 31608] Printmaking Show at the Beverly Arts Center ("Angee Lennard")
  17. [Baren 31609] Re: hello and question (Barbara Mason)
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Message 1
From: "Carol Myers"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:38:30 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31593] Re: Cairn blocks have been mailed
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Hi Maria,
My cairn block came last week, I'm a little slow to respond. I'm really
excited to be a part of this puzzle print! Thanks for all of your work and
inspiration!
Carol Myers
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Message 2
From: Charles Morgan
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:10:55 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31594] dogs
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I am almost ready to cut up my dog puzzle print in preparation for
printing. In the past I have drilled holes in strategic locations and used
a narrow bladed power jig saw to cut it out. But I invariably break a blade
or two in the process while trying to cut tight contours. I have been
looking for a cylindrical shaped blade, sort of like a piece of chord, that
will cut in all directions. There are such blades made for hacksaws, but
they are larger in diameter than I would like. I did get a braided wire saw
designed for campers that would be all right, but I will have to adapt the
ends and cut it to length to fit my jig saw. Does anyone know of a
cylindrical "cuts in any direction" blade that is specifically made for
power jig saws???

Zakki wants to say thanks for all the good wishes. He is home now and
acting much more puppy like than ever before. He is still having bowel
problems, but his energy is good. He told me to say how happy he was to
meet everyone at the summit.

Cheers ...... Charles
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Message 3
From: Rebecca Brame
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:30:29 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31595] hello and question
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Hello all- I have been silently appreciating your site for some time,
and finally became a member a few days ago. I do woodcuts in
Philadelphia. Some of my work in online at rebeccabrame.com. I made
the switch to waterbased ink a few years ago while pregnant.
I'm writing because I am having technical difficulties that are
driving me crazy and am wondering if anyone can help!
I'm working on large (28x32) woodcuts, cut on shina plywood, using
faust aqualine ink, printing on a press, using Rives BFK paper. I
have been using this combination successfully for years. The trouble
is I can no longer get a solid (flat) color. It seems the texture of
the paper is showing through, regardless of how much ink or pressure
I use.
Does anyone have any experience with this ink? I have ordered new ink
incase what I have has expired, and am also wondering if the ink is
too thin, and what can be added to it.
Thanks! Rebecca
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Message 4
From: Derek Andrews
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:35:26 -0300
Subject: [Baren 31596] Re: dogs
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Charles Morgan wrote:
> I am almost ready to cut up my dog puzzle print in preparation for
> printing. In the past I have drilled holes in strategic locations and
> used a narrow bladed power jig saw to cut it out. But I invariably break
> a blade or two in the process while trying to cut tight contours. I have
> been looking for a cylindrical shaped blade, sort of like a piece of
> chord, that will cut in all directions. There are such blades made for
> hacksaws, but they are larger in diameter than I would like. I did get a
> braided wire saw designed for campers that would be all right, but I
> will have to adapt the ends and cut it to length to fit my jig saw. Does
> anyone know of a cylindrical "cuts in any direction" blade that is
> specifically made for power jig saws???

Afraid not. I think that would be difficult to engineer.

From what you describe, I think a scroll saw would be your best best to
achieve a fine line, but even then blade breakages are to be expected. A
coping saw might also do the trick if you want to do it by hand.

There are router bits which go down to 1/8".
http://www.boschtools.com/accessories/accessories-detail.htm?H=176374&G=54859


--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
http://chipshop.blogspot.com
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Message 5
From: "Maria Arango"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:40:10 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31597] RE: dogs
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Hi Charles,
Puzzle dog print???? COOOOOOL!!!

Look for "spiral cut" scroll-saw blades; almost every home
repair/maintenance supply store carries them. Or search for them online,
both Black & Decker and Dremmel carry them. Oops, wait, no, that's for
scroll-saws...you said jig-saw. Hmmm, have not heard of them but let me know
if you find them because I would be very interested. Black & Decker does
carry some very thin (kerf and body) "scroll type" blades for jig-saws, as
does Dewalt. That is what I used for the cairn project on 3/4" cherry.

Also, several experts in the jig-saw, scroll-saw and/or band-saw realm (and
there are many such "experts" in the art festival world) told me that if I
wasn't breaking blades, I wasn't cutting enough wood. Sort of like the "if
you aren't falling, you aren't racing" saying in the bicycle world.
At any rate, breaking blades is a part of the game when doing puzzle cuts.
You should see my scroll-saw try to run out the door when I shove a piece of
3/4" solid cherry on its table.

I will search online here as well for jig-saw blades.

Maria

PS Good going Zakki!!! Look for post-antibiotic digestive aids/enzymes; our
Yuki is eating like the queen she is.


Maria Arango
www.1000woodcuts.com
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Message 6
From: "Robert Viana"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 14:43:19 -0200
Subject: [Baren 31598] Re: Cairn blocks have been mailed
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My block came as well! Yeah!!!
Cheers, Rob
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Message 7
From: "Ellen Shipley"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:17:59 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31599] Re: hello and question
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Hi Rebecca,

Your work is amazing. I love the energy in the wood. Welcome. 8-]

Ellen


print blog:
http://pressing-issues.blogspot.com/
sketch blog:
http://thepickledpen.blogspot.com/
dog blog:
http://dogblog-catchat.blogspot.com/
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Message 8
From: "Marissa "
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:23:18 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31600] Re: hello and question
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I agree with Ellen. Love your work! I admire your ability to work large.

Sorry I am no help on your ink problem. I use DS ink and like to have a lot
of transparency to it.

--
~marissa lee

www.mleefineart.com
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Message 9
From: "carolwagner"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:36:53 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31601] Re: hello and question
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Welcome Rebecca Brame!

I just took a look at your site and am most impressed with your woodcuts, as
I too love the sensibilities of Mexican art . As to the trouble you're
having with the paper showing, through sounds like an ink problem to me. I
am not familiar with the brand, but it sounds as though it is too
transparent. I've used Rives BFK for years and never noticed any problems.
You might consider using Graphic Chemicals waterbased ink. I've had success
with it, or even Dan Smith's water based black.

Ta,
Carol in Sacramento
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Message 10
From: Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:28:49 -0500
Subject: [Baren 31602] Re: hello and question
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Hi Rebecca, welcome to Baren......I too enjoyed looking at your gallery of
woodcuts, very impressive and large !!! Fellow barener James Mundie also
resides in Phily and he has a show opening soon...

Re your question, I too use wated-based pigments and a press to print and
Rives paper. I use Rives White (Heavy 175gms) not the BFK brand. Do you
use paste to bind in with your ink ? I am not familiar with your inks but
I find for most of my water-based printing that a little paste needs to
blend in with the pigments in order to achieve flat solid
coverage....there are many links in the Baren website re paste making and
use....

Here is a selection from Yoshida's classic 1939 book (near the bottom of
the page):
http://woodblock.com/encyclopedia/entries/011_07/chap_3c.html

Also from the very sorely missed One-point Lessons:
http://www.woodblock.com/encyclopedia/entries/onepoint/018_24/018_24_frame.html


good luck....Julio Rodriguez
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Message 11
From: L Cass
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:12:56 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31603] Summit
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Hello all -
Am going thru' the 100's of emails piled up in my absence so this is
just a very hasty note thanking Sharri and Barbara for doing such a
wonderful job organizing the week - what a fabulous studio Sharri has
-it was great working there -enjoyed meeting all the dedicated
printmakers and benefited from the demos and many personal tips
received - the food and wine was so good and I'm sure gave everyone
all the energy flying around the studios. The West Coast is so
beautiful and train ride beside the water from Seattle to Vancouver
B.C. stunning. Am most anxious to try all the goodies acquired from
McClain's - sorry to have missed the trip to the Falls but Mt Hood
called and was able to make many sketches- will be posting some of my
photos soon A big thanks goes to Marilyn for having Nancy and me on
the boat and driving us everywhere (will write at length shortly, Marilyn)
cheers
Louise




www.lcassart.com
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Message 12
From: Legreenart # cs.com
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:58:54 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31604] RE: New Baren Digest (Text) V36 #3595 (Aug 24, 2006)
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Charles Morgan,
Amy calls you the McGyver of printmaking on her site! I think that's a great description.
Enjoyed the foilagraph nature prints, and seeing the bottle jack press in action at the summit.
I'm volunteering to host the 2010 summit in San Antonio, Texas. We will not do it in August though! Oregon and Washington were a cool break for me last week, but I'm back to baking in the August Texas heat.
LA bareners- I'm counting on you to get me to LA in 2008. Hopinh for some beach time.
Le
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Message 13
From: robert # robertviana.com
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:47:16 -0400
Subject: [Baren 31605] Interesting story at TheInterMountain.com
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This email was sent courtesy of The inter-Mountain Web Site:

Dear Bareners

Robert Viana wanted you to take a look at this story on The Inter-Mountain Web Site!
Please follow this link http://southleemessenger.com/sports/articles.asp?articleID=2764 to view this article.

Robert Viana comments:
Hello everone. This is a little OFF subject, but I wanted to share it with you all so you can see how I am pushing the sales of my own printmaking and paintings as well as other artists.

Thank You
Robert Viana
robert@robertviana.com
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Message 14
From: "Marilynn Smith"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:37:05 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31606] Re: Baren Digest (old) V36 #3589
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It took me a bit to get back from the summit. I was stuck in the great city
of Portland awaiting an appointment with my old doctor for a second opinion
about test results. Good news, she says everything is fine, inferred that
this doc on the coast was all wrong, YEAH!!!!

The summit the summit the summit. Sharris' house and studio are totally
incredible, but than so is she. Hospitality must be her middle name. I am
certain the experience was different for each of us. We were divided up a
bit into 3 seperate rooms, I was in the garage, that looked divine for a
garage. We laughed and talked so loudly in there one day that we had a
visitor telling us we were definitely having way too much fun! We carved,
we printed and we watched those marvelous demos. I learned more and more
stuff, just like last time. We can talk online, give advice but nothing
compares to seeing it done in person! How generous everyone was with advice
and even gifts of paper and wood and some even finished up prints to pass
around, wow!!! I was thrilled to solve a problem block and after trying 2
papers and 3 inks finding that it would indeed work! Help and advice was
like every Baren letter, incredible. So was the food, thanks to chef Barbara
Mason and her culinary talents. Thank you all and especially Sharri for a
wonderful time!

Maria, wow a beautiful cherry block to carve, hope I am up to it with this
talented group! Thanks thanks. Now where did I put those drawings of
rocks??? Or maybe I will not do a rock after all, hmmmmmm, my brain is
definitely inspired!
Marilynn
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Message 15
From: "Marilynn Smith"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:42:21 -0700
Subject: [Baren 31607] Re: Baren Digest (old) V36 #3593
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I know I know yakkity 2 emails. I had a piece of shina ply in baja. I went
to use it and it was splintering like mad. I went off to the art store and
bought me a bottle of linseed oil. after letting the oil sink into the wood
and applying it a few times it carved like butter. I carved the entire block
using only my toh and got very fine lines, I carve with the straight edge
against line not the bevel. After watching Richard Steined demo bokashi,
this block will be done that way. Yeah, every block I took that was giving
me a headache is now working!
Marilynn
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Message 16
From: "Angee Lennard"
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 19:59:54 -0500
Subject: [Baren 31608] Printmaking Show at the Beverly Arts Center
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Hey everyone. I wanted to let everyone know about a Group Printmaking
Show (that's actually the very exciting title...) at the Beverly Art
Center in Chicago. I was wondering if any other Baren members have
work in the show, and if so, will you be at the opening???? If so,
maybe I will see you there. But, if I am correct, it seems that there
is unfortunately a shortage of Chicago printmakers that participate in
this forum.

-Angee

August 25-September 24,
Opening Reception: 8/25, 6-9pm
Explore the world of printmaking in this juried group printmaking
exhibit. Exhibit curated by: David Jones, Director of Anchor Graphics,
James Iannaccone, Anchor Graphics, Jennifer O' Connor, BAC Gallery
Curator. Participating artists include: Adam Joseph Tolland, Fred
Nocella, Paul Nudd, Robert J. Berguson, Adrian Tio, Juilan Cox,
Rebecca Staszak, Nancy Staszak, Stephanie Carwile, debra fisher,
Lorien Jordan, Kurt Seaberg, Sadie Gerbic, Amanda Knowles, Jimin Lee,
Grace Kroll, Erik Waterkotte, JP Prigge, Alysia Kaplan, Dennis B. O'
Malley, Marie Bukowski, Thomas Lucas, Amanda Gross, Nancy Julson,
Andrea Schumacher, Daniel Falco, Sang-Mi Yoo, Andrew Blackley, Timothy
Massey, Susan Slogoff, Jennifer Hines, Angee Lennard, Rene Hugo Arceo,
Nochole Maury, William Greider, Wrik Repasky, Chunwoo Nam, Rosalyn
Richards, Janet Yagoda Shagam, Jonathan Pruc and Tracy Templeton.
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Message 17
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 19:27:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Baren 31609] Re: hello and question
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Rebecca,
I know you will not like to hear this, but it might be your press...try shiming the block.
Sometimes press beds suddenly get a wow in them and no longer print in the middle...thus your flat areas not getting enough pressure. Try turning the bed over if you can. You can also have a bad can of ink...it happens. If a new can gives the same problems, look to the press.
Best to you,
Barbara