For You...

"I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else." - Dolly Parton

A reduction print takes weeks to complete. Part of the time is waiting for the ink to dry. The more colors and layers you have the longer the process. I choose my colors as I go and sometimes change my mind. Ergo, I never know how long it will take.

"May Poppies" 8"x10" reduction linocut

There were things I wanted to try with this print - the inter-relationship between the the flowers and seed pods; the tricky cool greens with warm reds; the intricacy of the dragonflies. The dragonflies were last. I used a silver mica powder from Earth Pigments mixed with extender at a 1:1 ratio and crossed my fingers. The effect was what I wanted.

From GI Joe series 2011 - Michael Lownie

In continuing to find inspiration from Michael's art, I riffed from this small piece Michael gave me for my birthday over a decade ago. I remember being so delighted when I opened the box. He knew how to delight.

This was the beginning of a series of works featuring GI Joe dolls or their parts. Eventually, he would cast these doll parts in acrylic resin and make different assemblages.

This hangs on my wall and I look at it everyday.

"For You", 6"x8" reduction linocut

This was my second attempt and I'm still not happy. Every print teaches me something new. Here's what I learned:

1. I can play with flowers and shadows;

2. Repeating shapes have power;

3. Strong composition can carry you forward;

4. The negative space can effect your subject.

I'm giving this a break before I attempt a third time.

This week I begin a nine-month printmaking mentorship with Zea Mays Printmaking in Florence, MA. When I applied I didn't know which of the mentors I would be assigned to. I was delighted when my acceptance email arrived and my assigned mentor was Joyce Silverstone. We begin with where I'm at on Wednesday. I have much to learn.

One last piece... I've been re-reading my the very large shelf of poetry books I've accumulated. Sometimes a book has done its job and it's off to the Little Free Library around the corner. This one my Robert Lowell started a drawing. I couldn't keep reading until I made my drawing. Guess this book isn't done with me.

Here's the drawing, artistic license granted, be delighted...

"Harriet" 7"x7" graphite

...and see you again soon.