In Progress

"Nothing good ever gets away." - John Steinbeck

As part of my mentorship with Zea Mays Printmaking, I'm looking at how different printmaking methodologies and different approaches create line, evoke emotion, and show best the spirit of the subject. All three of those elements need to come together for me to call the work complete. Until then, it is in progress.

Ginkgos were a favorite of Michael's and we're in that Bay Area winter palette that would look like autumn somewhere else.

My first instinct is to follow what I know and that's relief printmaking. I carved the image onto bass wood and inked it using home made inking pads. The effect is painterly and delicate.

I've been staring at the image to the right and contemplating what method to use. As part of my mentorship, I'm learning drypoint. Below is the chair using that method without the background. I can add background with other printmaking methods. At the present, I'm debating colors before moving to the next step.

I was going to write something hyper stupid starting with "pros + cons" of the two methods. That business doesn't fly though. It's about serving the spirit of the subject. When I'm struggling with a subject, I'm searching for that spirit and the question of whether I can meet it with the skills I have. If my skills feel short, I learn what is needed. Until then, the work remains unfinished.

Two additions happened in my life late 2025. One I planned on and the other landed literally in my lap. After fussing with myself for more than a year, I broke down and bought a printing press. My life is so much easier now that I have it. Here's a short studio tour for your amusement.

The other addition is Gracie. She wouldn't have been my first choice for a second dog, but she needed a home. Her prior owner (a work colleague of my friend Lana's) suffered a massive stroke and subsequently died.

She may only be twelve pounds but she has a fierce, independent spirit. No one can ignore her presence and attitude.

Scout isn't too bothered. As long as he's the main subject of this art piece. Who knows what printmaking method I'll use for this one.

More soon...