January 21, 2010
Desert Island Prints
Posted by Dave Bull
While carving this afternoon, I was listening to the (wonderful) iPlayer from the BBC in England, and enjoyed an episode of the very long-running program Desert Island Discs. You are probably familiar with the idea ... the host interviews a guest, who chooses ten records that he would take if he were to be stranded on a desert island. It's always an enjoyable listen, and each of the guests always has to explain just why these particular choices were made.
It occurred to me that we here on [Baren] could easily play the same game, so I'll give it a try - not with 10 prints, which would be a bit much, but with three. Here they are (images are clickable for enlargements):
Continue reading "Desert Island Prints"
Posted on January 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 17, 2010
Hiratsuka Unichi - Ancient Art Podcast
Posted by Julio
Episode 27 explores the art and life of one of the most influential 20th century Japanese woodblock print artists, Hiratsuka Un'ichi, including prints recently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago. A pioneer of the early 20th century Japanese Creative Print movement (sosaku hanga), Hiratsuka is steeped in ancient Japanese spiritual and visual traditions, while strongly influenced by the evolving culture of early 20th century Japan. Discover how Hiratsuka Un'ichi broke the rules of the rigidly predefined role of woodblock carver and inspired a new generation of artists.
Posted on January 17, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 30, 2009
Karen Kunc demo at Sev Shoon, Seattle 12/20/2009
Posted by Julio
For those fans of printmaker Karen Kunc here is a new video demonstration (in 6 parts) recently done at the Sev Shoon Arts Center in Seattle. This video gives a great insight into the artist's mindset and technique. Videos courtesy of Mirka Hokkanen at YouTube.
Click on the "Continue Reading" link below to see all six parts.
Part 1 of 6
Part 2 of 6
Continue reading "Karen Kunc demo at Sev Shoon, Seattle 12/20/2009"
Posted on December 30, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
December 19, 2009
Gustave Baumann - Hands of a Craftsman
Posted by Julio
One of Americas great craftsman, Gustave Baumann's color woodblock prints are masterpieces of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. Occasionally interrupted by those pesty puppets, the narrative for this documentary is composed of excerpts from Baumanns own unpublished autobiography. This film presents an unparalleled insight into Baumanns artistic mind and creative process and presents superb photographic tour of his beautiful woodblock prints. He used hand ground pigments, exact carving and fine papers to create flawless prints. Each print is a simple and elegant study of the customs, people and landscape of New Mexico.
Here also is a short time lapse view of the Historic Santa Fe Foundation's restoration of the exterior of Gustave Baumann's house in Santa Fe, NM. The exterior has been returned to its original tint, which complements the hand-painted wood on the home's windows and entrance.
Posted on December 19, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1)
December 04, 2009
Carving tools - video
Posted by Julio
Okay, so here's another video clip from my studio, this time is about the tools I use to carve wood blocks.
Note: You will see a small handcrafted box where I keep my tools after use and where I also save a few wood chips from every block carved. This is my way to pay respect to the wood.
Posted on December 04, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)
David's e-book "Your First Print"
Posted by Julio
Came across this article on David's new ebook at "eBooks Just Published".
"Remembering back to the days when I was first exploring this craft, I have created the book that I desperately wanted back then, but which didn’t exist - a book that included everything that I needed to know. I have tried to create a highly practical and focussed guidebook that will take you - step by step - completely through the process of creating your first print, answering (hopefully) all the questions you will ask along the way.”
Rich Media: The eBook contains approximately 60 ‘pages’ (each one actually a wide-screen ’spread’), as well as many photos in high-resolution format. In addition to the standard text+illustration material, it also contains numerous audio and video clips showing every important stage of the printmaking process.
Click here to visit David's e-book site:"Your First print"
Posted on December 04, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
November 30, 2009
Printing setup and proofing
Posted by Julio
Here is a short video clip of my setup for printing woodblock prints. The work is being done on the bed of my very old Vandercook Model 01 proofing press...probably built back in the 1940's or 1950's. It may not be clear in the first video clip but for printing the block is prop up on a downward angle against the edge of the press to aid with the printing posture.
Make sure to leave me a comment if you have any questions or if you have some recommendations for improvement.
This next clip shows me proofing the first impression for a background color. (Note wherever I mention the word "ink" I am really referring to color pigments of the watercolor variety).
Proofing continued.....
Posted on November 30, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (2)
November 22, 2009
IFPDA Print Fair 09
Posted by Julio
The International Fine Print Dealers Association's (IFPDA) annual show, Printfair 09 in New York is considered to be one of the largest and finest in the world. The show ran November 5-9, 2009. See a full show review including photos and print prices.
Note. The Art of Japan offered a superb selection of color woodblock Orientalist prints, including two works by Hashiguchi Goyo; "Woman Applying Makeup" from 1918 that was priced at $39,500, and "Combing Her Hair" from 1920 that was marked $79,500.
Make sure to visit the IFPDA's What's On page to see a list of worlwide exhibits and workshops featuring fine prints & printmakers.
Posted on November 22, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
