In the Studio: The Blank Page
[The blank page /Image & Artwork: designslinger_studio]
After realizing that there wasn't a class out there that was going to help me out as I began this new journey, I drove myself crazy trying to figure out the next best step to take.
I had been really counting on someone with experience to give me a few "tricks of the trade" on the ins and outs of the process. Like the best knives to use for certain cuts, or better yet, how to organize and wrap your mind around using the minimal number of blocks to the best effect when doing multi-color prints. I'd read that the top Japanese wood block artists back in the day could get 6 colors out of two blocks. It was very intimidating.
After checking out every "How to..." book I could get my hands on from the Chicago Public library and dozens more on relief block artists and their work, I was overwhelmed. So I took a step back and let all that info just sink in for a bit and realized that I couldn't figure everything out ahead of time, I just had to jump in. I'm not sure why I didn't come to this realization sooner rather than later - but there you have it. I knew what I wanted the artwork to look and feel like, I could visualize the end product as clearly as if I'd already drawn, carved and printed it, so I took out a piece of paper and just started drawing. And, drawing and drawing.
It opened the door, and I finally felt like I was moving forward. I took blank sheet after blank sheet and drew like a maniac. How I'd make those drawings work, you know efficiently dividing the color blocks, knowing that what looked good in the drawing was way too hard to carve, that would come later. But at least I'd got the ball rolling.
The hardest part is sometimes just getting started. After that it just flows! Started some drawings here last night on my own project and it feels great to get pencil on paper. Will you show the evolution of the design?
Yep. In a few weeks we'll start posting about a print from start to finish. Pencil to paper, eh? Nice!
There hasn't been one design problem that hasn't been solved by drawing first. Good luck. I can't wait to see your work progress.
Thanks!
I'm surprised the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative couldn't help. Always wanted to take one of their classes.
Classes in silkscreen, etching and lithography abound. Could have possibly gone the private tutoring route at Chicago Printmakers. But, as you can imagine, paying by the hour for one on one instruction was kind of steep when compared to taking a regular class. So just decided to plow ahead on my own.