[Baren] Daily Digest

Today's postings

[Baren 36546] chinese cutting (Cucamongie # aol.com)
[Baren 36547] Re: Future exchange ("Clive.ca")
[Baren 36548] Re: chinese cutting ("Maria Arango")
[Baren 36549] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V44 #4477 (Aug 11, 2008) (Marilynn Smith)
[Baren 36550] printers ink, back pressure and agression ("bobcatpath # 207me.com")
[Baren 36551] Re: Back from Vacation (Leah Levine)
[Baren 36552] Re: Back from Vacation (Scholes Graham)
[Baren 36553] Re: printers ink, back pressure and agression (Scholes Graham)
[Baren 36554] drying without weights (cucamongie # aol.com)
[Baren 36555] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
[Baren 36556] Re: drying without weights (Barbara Mason)

Message 1
From: Cucamongie # aol.com
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:18:24 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36546] chinese cutting
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Eva, it is easy to have misunderstanding through email, and I certainly
didn't mean my post to come off as aggressive.

Just thought it was reasonable (not aggressive) to suggest that you include
further clarification as to how the tools are held (and thank you Dave for
your very thorough explanation). It would not be clear to many people that
there is resistance to the blade moving forward etc.

It would be helpful to include this and if you keep a few people from
misunderstanding what they are seeing and getting cut, all the better.

but it's your site so it's your decision.

happy printmaking all,

Sarah

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Message 2
From: "Clive.ca"
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:13:57 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36547] Re: Future exchange
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Shawn + Elizabeth Newton wrote:
> what about 'favorite beverages' or 'drinks that have gotten you
>into trouble'

Not sure I could fit all the latter onto one woodblock :-)

... and I'm still trying to remember just what it was we were
drinking before we got into trouble:-)

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Message 3
From: "Maria Arango"
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:32:17 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36548] Re: chinese cutting
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I liken this discussion to watching an accomplished high-wire-walker and
telling the kids, never try that without a net!

I must concur with Dave and others here, I don't see the "danger." I often
carve large blocks, as large as 4 x 8 feet once!
Obviously when regularly carving even 24" x 36" chunks of plank cherry you
can't be twirling the block around so that you are always carving away from
the hands.

I use the push or pull method with the "brakes" firmly set in front in the
form of a thumb or forefinger of my non-carving hand. No scars here!
What's even more "dangerous" I have taught myself the fine art of carving
with my non-dominant hand; teaching oneself to be ambidextrous just takes
practice and it is immensely helpful in a variety of printmaking tasks. Now
when I get to a U-turn in carving I simply switch hands and keep going.
In fact the way I use my knives may make the traditional carver cringe. I
carve on the hori-dai often but also on a table top, living room couch, or
on my lap if I'm at an art festival.

I think many times well-meaning teachers of a craft give student initially
useful "mantras": "always carve away from yourself", "there is no black in
nature", etc., to aid the student in learning. It is up to the accomplished
artist later in art to truly learn by letting go of the tethers of
teacher-words and approach the art as the masters did.
Seek not to follow in the footsteps of the masters, seek what they sought.

Maria

O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O
Maria Arango
http://1000woodcuts.com
http://artfestivalguide.info
O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O=O

> The beginner carver will - of course - cut himself occasionally.
> Learning how to balance these opposing pressures takes time and
> experience. But believe me, it's nowhere as dangerous as you may think
> from looking at a static photo.

> So relax people; I have cut a block or two over the past few decades,
> and ... this is true ... I haven't the slightest single scar anywhere
> on my hands, and I'll wager that it's the same with the Chinese carver
> in that photo.
>
> Dave

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Message 4
From: Marilynn Smith
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:54:19 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36549] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V44 #4477 (Aug 11, 2008)
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Eva wrote:
Exchange is not about being right or wrong and I don't understand how
so much aggression can be involved in a formal discussion.

The free exchange of ideas is what makes Baren a joy. Criticizing any
process is inappropriate. This has been a very caring group, we share
thoughts, give friendly advice and ask questions. I had a wonderful,
kind and giving art professor who once said to our class, when you go
out there and become a professional do not criticize other artists.
It is unprofessional and will make you look bad. We lost him a few
years back due to cancer and the outpouring from his former students
was amazing, we all loved this kind and brilliant man. He was a very
quiet teacher, would walk up to you and explain in a very intelligent
and gentle manner how you could improve your work. In fact, he was so
intelligent that at first I had to have him rephrase his suggestions,
they went over my head, brilliant. He never raised his voice, he would
suggest not criticize, a wonderful person to work with.

Marilynn

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Message 5
From: "bobcatpath # 207me.com"
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:56:10 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36550] printers ink, back pressure and agression
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bareners-hello
for Patty P C - i have been using the VAN SON printers inks, both black and
white and
colors, since leaving college in 1970. i don't read- up on stuff like
lightfastness,
but i can see that my prints have not faded in 40 years- so far.....so good

for Dave and all- i am always using the back pressure you describe , even
tho i am carving
western style---check out on my website at HOW I WORK i put my other
finger on the
bladeof a knife or the neck of a u-gouge, and guide it thru the wood

for all on the subject of aggression : Graham Scholes was banned from the
BAREN a while
ago , for i-can't- remember- how -long , and now all of a sudden is back
and obviously
still cannot discuss anything civilly
i vote that he be rebanned please.

gillyin gatto machias M

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Message 6
From: Leah Levine
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:32:19 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36551] Re: Back from Vacation
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My fingers are crossed for you. Best wishes for the internship program.

Now, when are you coming to France?

Léa - poetwithoutborders

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Message 7
From: Scholes Graham
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:36:34 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36552] Re: Back from Vacation
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Leah Levine wrote:

> Now, when are you coming to France?

Where in France do you live and how long have you
been there.....
Marnie and I spent 5 weeks this spring on a canal boat....
see the site re the trip here.
http://www.francecanalboat-info.com/NevernaisCanal2.html

We came upon a large exhibition of Hokusai woodblocks in
the small village of Joigny. A beautiful village by the way
as are most that we saw on this and other trips there.
The curator was most gracious by opening the gallery late
when she found out I was a printmaker....
It was an extremely interesting exhibition
of Hokusai one colour images of Japanese history.
I had some extra DVD and they were
so pleased to have one for their archives... Apparently
the Curator holds the art of moka hanga in high esteem
It was a very interesting visit.
It was also interesting that when we got to Paris for our
week of Gallery hopping that large collection of Hokusai
prints were on display at the Musée Guimet. We were
amazed to see the line ups at so many Galleries in Paris.
They were full of viewers and at times one had to line
up two and three deep to get to see the works of art.
Most rewarding and reassuring that arts are waning.

Regards
Graham

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Message 8
From: Scholes Graham
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:46:26 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36553] Re: printers ink, back pressure and agression
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>> for all on the subject of aggression : Graham Scholes was banned
>> from the
>> BAREN a while
>> ago , for i-can't- remember- how -long , and now all of a sudden is
>> back
>> and obviously
>> still cannot discuss anything civilly
>> i vote that he be rebanned please.
>>
>> gillyin gatto machias M
>

Both Marnie, wife, and I are totally surprised and
can’t understand why this post was submitted.

The only comment I have made here is about the images
that to me, and others were felt as not being safe.

I did try to explain to that person in several personal posts,
not wanting to take this on the forum.

I find it strange that I was labeled for pointing out something
that as David Bull said....

“Should Eva put a message on her page ... "Kids, don't try this at
home!"? That's up to her. Her intention was to illustrate how
the pros do it, and she has done so“.

As you see there must have been merit because of
the interest and attention those pictures generated as
there were several posts put forward by members regarding safety.

I believe that it is not so much what I say but the
fact that that there is no “body language“ and my words
are wrongly interpreted. I can assure everyone that
my reputation of teaching in hundreds of workshops in
towns and cities across Canada for about 20 years
is untarnished. I have a wonderful following as a teacher
that has no secrets. I have a waiting list for this coming
year‘s workshop.... which, depending on our energy and
health we hope will take place.

It is my preference to remain on the Baren and help people with
their endeavours to become competent and enjoy this sport.

If there is a wish that I should leave.... it is not necessary
to do anything more than to ask me not to post....

I will comply and only be a onlooker and send personal post
to the individuals that I see would benefit from my experience.

For the record ....
It was 7 ½ years ago that I was removed from the forum....

Graham
www.woodblockart.ca

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Message 9
From: cucamongie # aol.com
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:06:08 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36554] drying without weights
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hey Barbara, interesting post about drying without using weights. how many times do you change the blotters in order to be able to do this?
have you found that this works for thin paper as well as thick paper?
and, what do you think is the disadvantage to using weights to dry paper?

best wishes
Sarah

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Message 10
From: Blog Manager
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:56:53 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36555] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification
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Message 11
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:50:00 GMT
Subject: [Baren 36556] Re: drying without weights
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Sarah,
I am just lazy, that is the main reason for not weighting the paper...I change the blotters once, after an hour or two and the weight of the paper I am printing on doesn't seem to make a difference. You could probably change thin paper into new blotters sooner, I think the minimum time would be 30 minutes. I live in the Pacific NW...we have a lot of moisture in the air, about 35% most of the year. But nothing like the humidity in some places, so I can only say this works well here. Although it has been hot with no rain for several weeks.
I do have about 50 blotters and two piles, I hang the damp ones up to dry but the second dry pile does not seem to need it, so there is some weight in having 10 blotters on top of the pile. I never use a board or weights and my prints are flat.
My best to all,
Barbara

>interesting post about drying without using
> weights. how many times do you change the blotters in order
> to be able to do this?
> have you found that this works for thin paper as well as
> thick paper?
> and, what do you think is the disadvantage to using weights
> to dry paper?

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Baren Archives

[Baren] - the International Forum for Woodblock Printmaking

Volume: 44 / Number: 4478

Tuesday, 12th of August, 2008

Today's postings

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