The clutch was out and I had shopping to do. So a ride was entailed, there was no way I was going to miss this day.
I had Dad on my side, and made it fine. The day entailed new projects coming into some sort of life, lessons learned, chips, home-made salsa and home design.
That’s my first woodcut. Ever. I started the piece in Colombia, after a long distance discussion with Ms. Blake, Ms. Katie Blake: a helluva artist and human being. The day’s background contained steady programming from HGTV, designers smiling in well-ironed garments and making kitchens and bathrooms nice and ready to sell.
I’m not sure yet if I like doing woodcuts. The jury is out, the only thing to do is try another. Each piece and type of wood has it’s own character. Even though I may have externally known this before just by sight alone, now the marks I made through tools new to my hands have let me know that yes, indeed, each piece of wood has it’s own character. Add to that the unique cuts made by any cutter, and all that character blending into one piece can be a bit like being a boat at sea with no one aboard. Somewhat disconcerting at first, but, like the boat, go with the flow.
I watched Alice in Wonderland this morning. Can you tell?
So the Mad Mermaid found herself some ink, and a few lessons along the way. Screen Printing on paper was another first this day; until now it had only been cloth, which entails a slightly different method in laying down ink. As in, don’t press so hard. -wink-
Katie is brilliant. She could definitely have her own show on a network like HGTV. She holds a Masters Degree in Library Science and a unique sensibility. I get excited when I see her artwork, the lines and form. Twangs of jealousy crowded out by inspiration. She is the type of artist and person I want in my life, to learn from and work with (same difference, really).
A friend, John Ollom, told me awhile back that it was time to surround myself with other artists. After the long road of searching and deploying venture to venture – in order to find myself established on this road called Art – John was right. I used to do it on my own, drawing in corners (as a kid quite literally) and behind closed doors. The doors are open and the room knows people. It’s getting full and I am not alone.
