Olansa Cuttings

Just like a New Year’s resolution, only late

Posted in Printmaking by David on Sunday the 4th February, 2007

A tree in Raleigh ParkI hadn’t cut a block since the summer of 2006. Sooner or later something had to be done, so I browsed some old photos from a walk in Raleigh Park, the swamp-on-a-slope that runs down the hill behind our house. I stared at a picture of a hawthorn tree-trunk for a full minute before spotting the obvious: a face in the bark. There is something a little fey about the whole top end of the park, so this shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

The urgent need was to make marks on a block so I put an edge on my gouges, made a quick sketch and began to cut.

OK, the result isn’t up to much. My tool skills don’t extend to cutting fine detail in small blocks, and other mistakes crept in — the shadows are misplaced, the ivy resembles a noose — but at least it’s yer actual print on paper.The hawthorn print

My oil-based ink had nearly frozen in the garage, but the cheap water-based stuff that rolls like thin black ketchup still took orders. Note to self: keep ink indoors over winter.

I learned another lesson: office paper is lousy for proofing. For this one I tore up some large sheets of good sketching paper and noticed the difference straight away.

After some cross words with my wonky nipping press, I downgraded to a wooden spoon and fingernails. The combination of hand burnishing and decent paper seems to agree with me. I can’t wait to try again with a larger, simpler piece.

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  1. Patti Phare-Camp said, on February 8th, 2007 at 19:57

    I love the tangled organic feel of the thing! It’s a lovely composition an a good start. This could be a good key line for multi drops. Layered drops would give depth to the good line work.

  2. David said, on February 8th, 2007 at 20:39

    Thanks for the kind words. Also for the suggestion — I’ll have a think about trying that.

  3. Carol Lyons said, on February 13th, 2007 at 18:23

    Dave, that is a perfectly fine abstract image.
    If you want to do anything else to it, fine, but keep some of the images of these prints.
    I want to thank you again for putting my “TheCancer Journey” on your website. Many of my friends and some gallery owners really appreciate it.
    What is your e-mail address?

  4. David said, on February 13th, 2007 at 18:32

    Thanks, Carol! I’ve mailed you separately with my address…

  5. Ellen said, on September 27th, 2007 at 04:11

    Love that twisted old tree! I’ve been collecting pictures of gnarled trees but have yet to carve an image of one. I love yours. 8-]

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