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Artist Statement
I began making relief prints because I enjoyed creating images which I could then carve onto a block while calculating how the image would print in reverse of my initial design. With relief printmaking ink is applied to a carved block then pressed onto paper so you have to be aware of positive and negative spaces when carving because your finished piece will be a negative image of your original design. The area carved away usually does not transfer ink onto the paper letting the chosen paper texture and color become part of the design.
I ink each block with all the colors the design calls for at one time and then print by hand pressing, not machine, so that I can vary the amount of ink applied which influences the overall design and texture of the final print making each print an original. Many times I use handmade paper of various colors to see what effects I can achieve and call it ‘art by serendipity’ because curiosity of the results intrigues and inspires me.
I also like the historical component of relief printing which can be traced to early cave dwellers who carved their designs into cave walls more than 20,000 years ago. The Sumerians created prints carved in relief dating from 3000 B.C.E. Before moveable type, pictures and words were cut on the same block to create Block Books in the 15th Century
In the 20 years that I have been creating prints I have enjoyed participating in diverse venues from Saturday Markets to the Washington State Lt. Governor’s office including festivals, fairs, libraries, museums, galleries, local businesses and art shows and have been happy to have my art find new homes locally, nationally and internationally.
I currently am pleased to be part of the artist group at Harbor Art Gallery, 114 North Laurel Street, Port Angeles, Washington where I am honored to be Featured Artist for June with a Second Saturday Art Walk reception from 5 to 7:30pm on June 8th.
My art is also available in the Gift Shoppe at B&B Family Farm, 5883 Old Olympic Hwy., Sequim, Washington.
Additional information is available at www.randstarimages.com