OLD AND NEW

I was able to spend a few hours down in my studio yesterday, first working on a practice etching and then doodling on my scratchboard. I want to start a new copper etching and have ordered another plate. Until it arrives I did this etching on a sheet of acetate. Also had time to put more scratches on the scratchboard I keep handy.

RON MUECK

My best friend from that parallel universe north of me finds great ways to keep my days exciting and fresh. Today she told me about Ron Mueck, an Australian sculptor who's realistic pieces are almost scary. Mueck was a model maker and a puppeteer (Labyrinth, Storyteller) and he has certainly brought those talents into his art. I actually found it hard to view some of his sculptures. Sort of like they were something I shouldn't be looking at. Like them or hate them, one can't help but admire the unbelievable detail. Thanks Anne!!!

http://www.life.com/image/95906368/in-gallery/38832/super-freaky-lifelike-sculptures

MOKU-HANGA

I received an email asking me about the picture I have in the header of this blog. It is a print from the first woodcut (Moku-Hanga) I attempted. I did it after returning from a trip to Vermont where I watched Matt Brown demonstrate his technique. I was fascinated with how easy he made it look. I have done a number of different prints since then, but nothing that compares with Matt's work.

I am currently working on a four block print but have only pulled one color (background) so far.

THE BIG PICTURE

My ramblings are usually art related with a little of my love for music (blues and jazz), both listening and playing thrown in. This post is a little off of that theme, yet maybe not as much as I first thought. One of the people who works in my real estate office has a son who is attempting to be the youngest person to climb Mount Everest. Jordan is thirteen years old, and a few years ago he set a goal of climbing all seven of the world's tallest peaks. Though it may sound like a lofty goal (pun intended), he has already scaled five of them! His determination coupled with his mother's courage letting Jordan follow his dream is inspirational to watch everyday!

Today he is at one of the higher base camps and was featured on some of the network morning shows through a live feed. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36684818#36684818

BIG DAY TOMORROW

No...not tax day, Leonardo da Vinci's birthday! The original Renaissance man. Painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, musician, inventor, scientist, geologist, botanist, writer, mathematician. Seems like he just couldn't keep a job!!

Actually, Leonardo was probably one of the most diversely talented people that ever lived and I love reading about his life. Definitely on my list of people that I would love to have been able to spend time with.

I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. ~Leonardo da Vinci~

PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES

Below is a link to a very informative site that has flash demonstrations of various printmaking techniques. Included are screenprinting, woodcuts, lithography and etching. It also has finished examples of each technique. It is great information for anyone new to the art of printmaking.

http://www.moma.org/interactives/projects/2001/whatisaprint/flash.html

NEW WOODBLOCK

I have been frustrating myself trying to paint something with watercolors that actually comes close to what I had in mind at the start. It's possible that I may never get there...in the mean- time I am starting a new woodblock project. The plan is to use two blocks and do reductions on both. I'm guessing that I will end up doing about six different cuts.