Look what I just got in the mail: five giant linoleum blocks! Each block is 18″ x 24″ – that’s a whole lot of carving coming up. You can see in the picture that I’ve placed one of my ‘saint’ blocks on top of the stack for comparison. Most of my prints to date have been in the range of 4″ to 8″ on any one side, and now I suddenly feel like going BIG. This will be fun.
And as an aside, hooray for good packaging. Last year I ordered some blocks from another online art supplier, and the blocks came damaged, having been thrown loosely into a box that was much too large. These new blocks came carefully wrapped in kraft paper, and then the bundle of blocks was taped into the lovely large flat outer box (which I will save and re-use; I confess to being a box hoarder), and padded with crumpled newsprint. (The arrows point to the tape holding the bundle in place.)
The other items I’ve been gathering this month are x-rays. I put a request on my local Freecycle, and a woman responded and gave me stacks of them: full body scans, head scans, chest scans, MRIs – wow. I have some solar plates stowed away in my stash, and will try some experimental etchings incorporating the x-rays.
And next month, I will begin taking an Intermediate Intaglio class at Cabrillo College. I’ve taken the introductory class – twice – and really enjoy the work and the instructor. I’m looking forward to this very much!
So lots of ideas brewing, and new techniques, and new challenges. I think 2013 is shaping up to be an excellent year.
Linoleum block workshop
Would you like to learn how to make linoleum block prints? Here’s your chance! I’m leading a weekend workshop, February 2 & 3, which will teach you all you need to know to get started. Click here for more information and to sign up!
