The two rotating patterns - the three paper sizes:

• o-ban
• chu-ban
• 'other'

... and the two options for theme:

• themed
• open

... combine this time to give us a themed exchange in the 'other' size.

Some time back, a suggestion for the theme of this exchange was tossed out into the forum discussions. It was mentioned that one of the other woodblock groups on the 'net (Print Australia) was proposing a print exchange with the theme of 'Endangered Species'. It was thought that if [Baren] took up the same theme, then members who wished to participate in both would be able to kill two birds with one stone (Oops! ... bad choice of analogy for this particular theme!)

That seems like not a bad suggestion, and indeed, this is a theme with a great deal of potential for interesting woodblock design, as well as being one that will 'exhibit well' when the prints are submitted and the folio is complete. So whether or not the other group goes ahead with the same theme or not, we'll give it a try here on [Baren].

But we would like to put our usual little 'twist' on it, and suggest that the title need not be taken literally. We are not looking for 30 prints of 'snail darters', but of any 'creature' - real or imaginary - that you feel is in danger of disappearing.

As for the paper dimension, we looked back at the great success people had with the new size we tried for Exchange #6: a dimension of x by 2x. Far from being awkward, it led to a great number of interesting design solutions coming forward. But rather than repeat the same thing again, we have decided to challenge your ingenuity once more by setting out that these prints must fit the traditional 'shikishiban' dimension - 21 centimetres vertical and 19 centimetres horizontal. Here is a piece of paper in that proportion:

The dimension is always used vertically. Having just the slight variance from a perfect square makes for the visual interest ...

Let's prove that 'homo sapiens barenis' does not qualify for inclusion in this exchange; let's show that good woodblock printmakers are not about to disappear!

The [Baren] 'experience' continues ...

• Medium: woodblock print (hand rubbed or pulled on a press, B&W or colour, any pigments, any paper)
• Theme: 'Endangered Species' (literal or figurative).
• Paper size: the traditional paper dimension of 'shikishiban': 21 centimeters (vertical) by 19 centimeters (horizontal). This is 8 1/4 inches high, and 7 1/2 inches wide. Note: in previous exchanges the coordinators have had many problems with prints that don't fit the cases, so this time we must emphasize - oversize prints will be trimmed to fit; if trimming is unacceptable to the artist, they must be rejected from the exchange and returned to the maker. No exceptions.
• Image size: anything within that sheet (w/margin, or bleed), vertical orientation. Note: in order that the prints in this exchange become a true 'set' for exhibition and display purposes, we are asking this time that all participants make their prints with the paper in a vertical orientation.
• Paper type: no restriction
• Registration period: One month starting January 1 (or until 30 participants are enrolled)
• Work period: Three months starting February 1
• Deadline for finished prints: May 1st, 2001

[Baren Exchange 9] participants:

1. Liz Horton
2. Bea Gold
3. Larry Giacoletti
4. Horácio Soares Neto
5. Frank Gall
6. Gillyin Gatto
7. Mary Krieger
8. Jean Eger-Womack
9. Mike Lyon
10. Ruth Leaf
11. Mary Kuster
12. Jan Telfer
13. Georga Garside
14. Philip Smith
15. Karen Berkenfeld
16. Deborah Ann Bartl
17. Sarah Hauser
18. Kat Pukas
19. Gayle Wohlken
20. Andy English
21. Foo Kwee Horng
22. Sylvia Taylor
23. Maria Arango
24. Julio Rodriguez
25. Barbara Mason
26. Wanda Robertson
27. Dan Dew
28. Claude Aimée Villeneuve
29. Jim Bryant
30. Jeanne Norman Chase

Waiting list ...

1. Kristine Alder
2. Barbara Patera