Highlights from [Baren] Exchange #74 (Part 1 of 2)

I returned from visiting family for the holidays to my package of prints from Baren Forum Exchange #74. What a happy surprise and fine start to the new year! This is an stunning collection of 7" x 7" prints. I really love the whole collection so much, but have limited myself to highlighting 4 on this blog.

The technique challenge was white woodcuts (after the Provincetown style), which is a very difficult and time consuming technique to attempt, let alone master. Most of the participants at least made a go at creating a print partially or fully in the traditional white line style, and the results are full of many subtle and lovely effects. I could go on, but I don't really write about technique on this art blog. And so...

This first featured print, Espresso in Sienna, is by Alexandra Morris. Initially I was grabbed by the colors, but ultimately what charms me is the interaction between the pottery and that doily. Positioned asymmetrically, the lace loops and swerves round and round, echoing the curves of the cup, it's handle, saucer, and surface designs.

Monica Bright's print Fixated features a similar interplay, this time between an imaginative and abstracted school of fish that spiral around a watchful bird. This image is more singular in the direction of its composition; with the background completely carved away to eliminate any distractions, emphasis is on the overall hypnotic spiral and a darkened, hungry eye.

I'll post again tomorrow with the other 2 prints from this exchange that I've decided to write about.

"Long Eared Owl" on Display at UCAL Block Party Exhibition

I feel proud and honored to be exhibiting this woodcut alongside that of many of my colleagues at the University City Arts League this month. This version of Long Eared Owl, from my 12 Owls series, is printed in oil-based black ink on paper I made myself from cotton and local plants. The Block Party exhibition will be on view through January 3rd.

Sketchbook Sunday: Kiwi

It's been a while since I made a Sketchbook Sunday, and yes, that's because it's been a while since I drew in my sketchbook. Maybe I'll make it a New Year's Resolution to better keep up with that. Certainly a worthy goal.

Anyway, these are sketches from a taxidermy kiwi at the Wagner that I drew in between classes this week. For any interested artists, the Wagner reserves Fridays from 1PM-4PM as open studio time for those who would like to sketch from the collection with dry media. No reservations necessary.

White Line Scratchboard Prints with Kids

I've continued to experiment with different ways introducing students to white line woodcuts. Oftentimes I work with kids that are too young to carve wood or I teach workshops where we don't have the time to do traditional white line woodcuts. This is one fun, quick, and inexpensive alternative. We used Scratch Art Scratchfoam cut into circles. The kids drew lines in with pencils, which pushing the foam down. Then we taped one side of the circle to the paper for registration and began print section by section using Mr. Sketch markers. The markers produced surprisingly vivid color on smooth, white Bristol paper.

"Merchants, Port Said" by Ethel Spowers

Our attempts at survival are like swimming in a whirlpool. Around and around we go, and though it will eventually swallow us up, we can slow, even forget about the descent with energetic movement. And why not enjoy it, too? 

"Sunflower Series #8" by Ouida Touchón

Image used with the permission of the artist. More of Ouida Touchon's work can be found at her website.

The sunflowers have all bend and bowed, petals wilted and turned dull brown. We feel our longing for them in the chilled air and the call of hungry birds.

Kids' Relief Print Fish with Chine Colle

Last week I subbed a class at the University City Arts League and worked with a group of adorable mostly Kindergarten and 1st grade students. I had the kids rip up tissue paper and glue it to a paper as a "water" background. Then they each took a fish shape cut out of Scratch Art Scratchfoam, drew into it, and printed their fish onto the collages. It got sort of chaoic in class and at one point they started printing on each  others' collages, with wonderful results.