Today's postings
- [Baren 38679] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009) (J Cloutier)
- [Baren 38680] Haku Maki's technique question ("Phil Bivins")
- [Baren 38681] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009) (Sharri LaPierre)
- [Baren 38682] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009) (Barbara Carr)
- [Baren 38683] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009) (Graham Scholes)
- [Baren 38684] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009) (Georgina Leahy)
- [Baren 38685] Re: art or craft ("Terry Peart")
- [Baren 38686] Re: Haku Maki's technique question (David Bull)
- [Baren 38687] Re: art or craft (Graham Scholes)
- [Baren 38688] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
Message 1
From: J Cloutier
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:50:44 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38679] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009)
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"Craft" seems to emphasize the skill used in creating a work; "art", the
thought and meaning behind it. They need each other!
*
>I've always thought of art as craft to the nth degree...art is a
>lifestyle, craft is a pastime.
thought and meaning behind it. They need each other!
*
>I've always thought of art as craft to the nth degree...art is a
>lifestyle, craft is a pastime.
Message 2
From: "Phil Bivins"
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:48:58 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38680] Haku Maki's technique question
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Hello,
It has been several years since I posted on this forum, though I have been a fan of David's ever since joining Baren
when he first started the website. I have learned some things about this wonderful artform, craft or whatever you want
to call it. More recently probably within the past year I was introduced to some of Haku Maki's prints. I absolutely felt
a passion for these prints. I became very interested in his technique, in which he used cement to develop texture. I have a
few books about Haku's prints: 1. "The Life and Works of Haku Maki" by Dr. Daniel Tretiak and 2. "Evolving Techniques in
Japanese Woodblock Prints" by Petit and Arboleda. I picked up both of these books on Amazon. I have been in contact via email
with Dr. Tretiak who I believe is currently living in Bejing. He has been helpful in answering some of my questions regarding
Haku's cement technique. The book "Evolving Techniques" goes into some good detail with pictures of the cement technique. It even
describes how the mixture is made: "White portland cement mixed with one part water and two parts Chemical Bond is used to make
a heavy paste that can be worked with a palette knife." Though I have asked Dr. Tretiak about the "chemical bond" I have yet to
receive an answer. The book shows a picture of Haku applying the cement paste to the woodblock and next to him is a can of
"Synthetic Adhesive" there are some Japanese characters on the can of adhesive, which I do not understand as well as the English
words "Synthetic Adhesive". With all this said I was wondering if anyone within the forum has any idea as to what the Synthetic
Adhesive Haku may have used? What I have found that seems to work is the casting material that CSI agents use in the field when
they need to make a casting of a tire print or foot print. So I will throw it out there and see if anyone may have a clue.
Thank you for your help.
Phil Bivins
It has been several years since I posted on this forum, though I have been a fan of David's ever since joining Baren
when he first started the website. I have learned some things about this wonderful artform, craft or whatever you want
to call it. More recently probably within the past year I was introduced to some of Haku Maki's prints. I absolutely felt
a passion for these prints. I became very interested in his technique, in which he used cement to develop texture. I have a
few books about Haku's prints: 1. "The Life and Works of Haku Maki" by Dr. Daniel Tretiak and 2. "Evolving Techniques in
Japanese Woodblock Prints" by Petit and Arboleda. I picked up both of these books on Amazon. I have been in contact via email
with Dr. Tretiak who I believe is currently living in Bejing. He has been helpful in answering some of my questions regarding
Haku's cement technique. The book "Evolving Techniques" goes into some good detail with pictures of the cement technique. It even
describes how the mixture is made: "White portland cement mixed with one part water and two parts Chemical Bond is used to make
a heavy paste that can be worked with a palette knife." Though I have asked Dr. Tretiak about the "chemical bond" I have yet to
receive an answer. The book shows a picture of Haku applying the cement paste to the woodblock and next to him is a can of
"Synthetic Adhesive" there are some Japanese characters on the can of adhesive, which I do not understand as well as the English
words "Synthetic Adhesive". With all this said I was wondering if anyone within the forum has any idea as to what the Synthetic
Adhesive Haku may have used? What I have found that seems to work is the casting material that CSI agents use in the field when
they need to make a casting of a tire print or foot print. So I will throw it out there and see if anyone may have a clue.
Thank you for your help.
Phil Bivins
Message 3
From: Sharri LaPierre
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:37:21 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38681] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009)
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Here's more grist for the mill: there is a now a category of "fine art
crafts". I'm not sure exactly what that means, except that when you
see them, you know it - LOL And, they are wonderful and skillfully
done and you stand there in awe that someone could do such a thing
with such simple, everyday, sometimes wild, materials.
Cheers ~
Sharri
crafts". I'm not sure exactly what that means, except that when you
see them, you know it - LOL And, they are wonderful and skillfully
done and you stand there in awe that someone could do such a thing
with such simple, everyday, sometimes wild, materials.
Cheers ~
Sharri
Message 4
From: Barbara Carr
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:26:11 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38682] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009)
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And I heard this somewhere: "Craft is the expression of skill; art is the
expression of talent." How's THAT for a can of worms?!?Barbara C
expression of talent." How's THAT for a can of worms?!?Barbara C
Message 5
From: Graham Scholes
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:10:36 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38683] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009)
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I like it....
Interestingly ... it does not strike me as a can of worms.....
Graham
Interestingly ... it does not strike me as a can of worms.....
Graham
Message 6
From: Georgina Leahy
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:32:07 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38684] Re: New Baren Digest (Text) V47 #4787 (Apr 18, 2009)
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At my artschool, where I might continue further study (just to get at my favourite press) there is very little emphasis on craft.
The emphasisis on theory and concept. I have been told not to discuss my desire to become technically skilled in woodcutting at
my interview, but to concentrate on my theoretical concerns. I guess that is what art school is about now. I think that many people,
ie the art buying public and artists greatly respect craft and art is academic. I personally dont think art is academic and my best work
happens when I am in a mood for making art and it is about personal expression and the techniques I use, which become instinctive so I am not
thinking about craft but am immersed in the creation of work that is art. Anyhow I like craft and think that it is art personally!
The emphasisis on theory and concept. I have been told not to discuss my desire to become technically skilled in woodcutting at
my interview, but to concentrate on my theoretical concerns. I guess that is what art school is about now. I think that many people,
ie the art buying public and artists greatly respect craft and art is academic. I personally dont think art is academic and my best work
happens when I am in a mood for making art and it is about personal expression and the techniques I use, which become instinctive so I am not
thinking about craft but am immersed in the creation of work that is art. Anyhow I like craft and think that it is art personally!
Message 7
From: "Terry Peart"
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:30:08 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38685] Re: art or craft
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I have to disagree about craft being a pasttime.
People spend a lifetime learning their 'craft' with much intensity and
purpose. I think 'craft' can be equated with 'skill'.
I did alot of thinking about this when I saw the Gee's Bend Quilts for the
first time. I have spent a long time learning to make quilts with all the
corners meeting, everything square and flat. And then here comes these
quilts, hanging in art galleries and museums, all askew and akimbo. My
problem with them (and apparently alot of other quilters according to the
gallery owners) was an apparent lack of skill or craft.
After I read about them and their makers and how they are made,(the auther
of one book, "Who'd a Thought it" by Eli Leon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whod-thought-Improvisation-African-American-quiltmaking/dp/B0006ENSAY
)
who compared them to jazz improvisation, I gained more appreciation for them
and how they are made.
Its a different kind of craft, one I would have a hard time with and could
probably never do, but it is a skill nonetheless. I think the Gee's Bend
quilts lean more to the artsy side.
http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/quilts/index_quilts_exhibitions.shtml
The best takes both - talent (art) and skill (craft).
Terry
West Seattle
http://www.terrypeart.blogspot.com/
People spend a lifetime learning their 'craft' with much intensity and
purpose. I think 'craft' can be equated with 'skill'.
I did alot of thinking about this when I saw the Gee's Bend Quilts for the
first time. I have spent a long time learning to make quilts with all the
corners meeting, everything square and flat. And then here comes these
quilts, hanging in art galleries and museums, all askew and akimbo. My
problem with them (and apparently alot of other quilters according to the
gallery owners) was an apparent lack of skill or craft.
After I read about them and their makers and how they are made,(the auther
of one book, "Who'd a Thought it" by Eli Leon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whod-thought-Improvisation-African-American-quiltmaking/dp/B0006ENSAY
)
who compared them to jazz improvisation, I gained more appreciation for them
and how they are made.
Its a different kind of craft, one I would have a hard time with and could
probably never do, but it is a skill nonetheless. I think the Gee's Bend
quilts lean more to the artsy side.
http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/quilts/index_quilts_exhibitions.shtml
The best takes both - talent (art) and skill (craft).
Terry
West Seattle
http://www.terrypeart.blogspot.com/
Message 8
From: David Bull
Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:37:31 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38686] Re: Haku Maki's technique question
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> next to him is a can of "Synthetic Adhesive" there are some Japanese
> characters on the can of adhesive, which I do not understand
Phil, got a picture you can send me, so I can read it?
Nice to see you back. (For those who don't know/remember, Phil was a
very early member of [Baren], more than ten years ago ...)
Dave
> characters on the can of adhesive, which I do not understand
Phil, got a picture you can send me, so I can read it?
Nice to see you back. (For those who don't know/remember, Phil was a
very early member of [Baren], more than ten years ago ...)
Dave
Message 9
From: Graham Scholes
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:18:12 GMT
Subject: [Baren 38687] Re: art or craft
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Terry Peart wrote:
> And then here comes these quilts, hanging in art galleries and
> museums, all askew and akimbo. My problem with them (and apparently
> alot of other quilters according to the gallery owners) was an
> apparent lack of skill or craft.
I might have agreed with you until I studied Pacasso.... !!!!!!
> compared them to jazz improvisation,
Exactly.
> I think the Gee's Bend quilts lean more to the artsy side.
Artsy? .... Has this word a negative connotation? ... your next
assignment folks (
> And then here comes these quilts, hanging in art galleries and
> museums, all askew and akimbo. My problem with them (and apparently
> alot of other quilters according to the gallery owners) was an
> apparent lack of skill or craft.
I might have agreed with you until I studied Pacasso.... !!!!!!
> compared them to jazz improvisation,
Exactly.
> I think the Gee's Bend quilts lean more to the artsy side.
Artsy? .... Has this word a negative connotation? ... your next
assignment folks (
Digest Appendix
Postings made on [Baren] members' blogs
over the past 24 hours ...
Subject: Murky Waters
Posted by: Annie B
 I did several more stages of printing this weekend, basically covering the image of Dorothy May with enough ink to make her look like she was sinking into murky water but not so much ink as to obliterate her form. It was a tough balance and it also felt very emotionally intense to do it. I felt grief welling up as I worked. I felt so sorry for her and for all of the people who were on the ship, moored in the harbor staring out at a strange barren land, waiting for Bradford's scouting mission to return with news of what lay before them. It was cold, it was bleak and they must have felt so helpless and terrified when they realized that Dorothy had gone overboard. I could feel all of this as I worked. A friend of mine recently asked me "what happened to your happy art?" I took that to mean, "I don't like your scary/unhappy art" and I was sort of amused by it. But this weekend I felt that way a little bit myself. This feels like new territory for me to be exploring in my work, and it's probably new territory I'm exploring in myself as well. The photo above is the accumulation of around 10 or 11 impressions. I still have one more block to print -- some text. Copyright Woodblock Dreams blog [Long item has been trimmed at this point. The full blog entry can be viewed here] |
This item is taken from the blog Woodblock Dreams.
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Subject: An Elegant Solution
Posted by: Robert Simola
 In my little studio space is at a premium. I have just about everything on wheels so I can move them about. But having things on wheels didn't save space when it came to drying prints. I would either have the prints covering every available horizontal surface or hanging from a clothes line I had stretched inside the studio. Neither was a very elegant solution. Then I visited the studio belonging to a member of our local printmaking group, and I stole her idea. I went to Home Depot and bought the materials for making window screens from scratch and made a number of screens sized to fit an empty cabinet. I had never made or repaired a window screen before, so I wasn't sure I would be able to do it. Fortunately the only tools required were a hacksaw and a spline tool that I bought with the screening material. And while the screens are not all prefect, they are more than good enough for my needs. Now my prints they are out of the way, and I can work on other projects while they are drying. |
This item is taken from the blog Robert Simola.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.