Book Arts

In conjunction with the printmaking class it has caused me to open my eyes to a craft that been somewhat overlooked. Handmade Books. There are some seriously amazing artists in this field that take bookmaking to a new level. One artist is Julie Chen. There is an interview with her on the KQED.org site. Of course here is her site that sells her books. Flying Fish Press. I've been considering making my own limited children's books. For my bookshelf.

Printmaking

Lino Cut Example


Monoprint Example


I've been taking a course on Printmaking and really enjoying the process. I'm learning the old fashioned printmaking. No digital reproductions. Steps in the process are a fundamental aspect of it. If you forget or miss a step then your print will turn out differently. The course has covered monoprints, lino cut prints, wood block prints, screenprinting/serigraphy, and solar plate prints. I only have a few examples to show of the monoprints and lino cuts. These prints were printed with a water base Daniel Smith printing ink. The monoprints were run through a press. I can't recall what the name of the press. On rag paper.


I've gained a serious appreciate of the illustrator, Eric Rohmann, of My Friend Rabbit and Pumpkinhead. The ability to make solid impressions and gradations with the ink is something I'm still trying to learn. Also an appreciate of Degas who used the monoprint technique on several of his most famous ballerina works.

Blog Central

Here's a great list of blogs online for children's book illustrators and writers. It's on the site of Author Anastasia Suen. It's divided by Agents & Editors, Artists, Authors, Children's & YA Lit, Blog Hosts, Reviewers Lists. Anastasia Suen Blog Central

Illustration Friday - Save

When I was young we used to save all our money in a large glass pickle jar.

New Year

I decided to start the New Year by taking some classes. It should be interesting. Some are classes I've always wanted to take. Such as Printingmaking. I'm not talking about the kind that deals with any mechanical presses like web presses, but old fashion: woodblock, monoprint,and lino. I'd always wanted to take a course like this from my undergrad days but never got the chance. It's great trying new mediums. I've always been a drawing person and done my work exclusively in pastels. The other class I'm taking is called Intro to Crafts. At first when I read the course title I thought it was about scrapbooking and making projects with kids, but it's about traditional crafts: weaving cloth, basket making, and fabrics. It's really pretty interesting. If anyone had told me I would like the class I would told them you must be insane. First project is a tapestry. I'll post pictures later on when I've got something to show. I'm hoping that these courses will help expand my own technique and I how think about my illustration work. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.