| About the Artist: |
Printmaking is a tremendously versatile art form and allows me to innovate and experiment. I have been a printmaker for almost 20 years specializing in linocuts and white line block prints. My style incorporates Cubist, Surrealist and Pop elements.
I am dedicated to creating unique images drawn from my surroundings, and mastering precise technical skills in carving and hand printing. My block printing technique and aesthetic favors the tradition of the Japanese woodblock artists such as Hiroshige and brings much of the same simple beauty, emphasis on strong composition, and flatness in to my woodblock prints. My art is inspired by images from my daily life. By changing colors and constantly challenging my completed works, I am able to create a body of prints that captures the interplay of light to evoke different moods and emotions in the viewer. I employ European, American, and Japanese techniques to produce the final printed image. Using linoleum as the base material, I hand print all my prints, the majority of which are one-of-a-kind.
Printmakers I admire include Paul Jacoulet , Blanche Lazzell, Birger Sandzen, Kiyoshi Saito, Kawase Hasui, Chuck Close, Wayne Thiebaud and Gustave Baumann. Their technique, compositions and use of color is a constant source of inspiration to me.
Earlier Work
Surrealist themes were the subject matter for much of my earlier work. The linocut editions I created from the early 90’s to about 2003 revolved around the balance and interaction between man and nature; and fantasy and whimsy of the imagination versus reality and the demands of work and society.
Although these images were derived from my personal situation at that time, I think the themes are universal and the viewer can find elements with which he or she can identify. For me, and I think for the viewer, the images are optimistic and joyful, and often times, humorous. By embracing nature, man and woman can attain balance, harmony and tranquility. And through the creative process, through dreaming and day-dreaming, we can all discover our potential to transcend the drudgery of everyday life and enjoy a blissful state of mind, as well as, experience life more fully.
Each time someone views one of my surrealist prints, it is a unique experience. With each viewing the eye, mind, heart and personality focus on individual intricacies to rediscover and reprocess the artwork in a novel way and evoke various emotions.
All my artwork is hand printed from hand carved linoleum blocks:
- The black-and-white prints are no larger than 8”x10” and usually take 3-12 months to carve. None of these prints were printed in editions greater than 15.
- The white line prints take less time to carve, but each completed monotype print takes several hours to print by hand. These prints are also larger, up to 12”x18”. Each impression is one-of-a-kind.
I generally use Japanese Mulberry or Rice papers to print, although some of my older works are on French or Italian rag paper.
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