It’s been a long time since I posted another finished print from my series based on William Blake’s Proverbs of Hell. I’ve decided to use the entire proverb as the title of each print, so this one has a whopper: Improvement Makes Strait Roads, But the Crooked Roads Without Improvement, Are Roads of Genius.
This is another reduction print, which means both colors are printed from a single block. I carve and print the lighter color first, then carve away more from the same block to get the second color, in this case black. It’s a bit like working out a giant puzzle, and a bit of a tightrope walk; there’s not much room for error, if any. I like a good challenge!
I also like the sentiment of this proverb. I am all for going off the beaten track, exploring the back roads, choosing the path less taken.
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Open Studios!
Santa Cruz’s Open Studios is now only a week away. I’m in a mad rush of cleaning, organizing, labeling, and generally getting ready.
The first event in conjunction with Open Studios is the Preview at the Santa Cruz Art League. Each of the 300 or so participating artists has one piece on display at the Art League. There is a free reception open to the public this Sunday, September 27, from 3 to 6pm. It’s a great opportunity to scout out the artwork and plan your visits. The Art League is at 526 Broadway, in Santa Cruz.
My studio will be open two weekents: October 3 & 4, and October 17 & 18, 11am – 6pm each day.
816 Hanover Street, Santa Cruz, between Seabright and Frederick.
I have a lot of new work that will be on display for the first time. Come on by!
This is a wonderful reduction print, and the Blake proverb works perfectly.