In the month of December, I enjoyed doing five simple 2"x 4" woodblock prints. After experiencing a difficult 2009 with deaths in my family, I chose to do these small carvings and prints so I could get back into the groove of printmaking. The small size was less stressful and provided quick results.
The new direction of my modern surimono will look similar to my "Birch Spirit" print and these five simple prints only larger, in more detail and in the traditional Japanese surimono print which includes mica powder, hand-embossing, and a nicer Japanese paper than I've been using in the past. And as usual, my prints will include an English language Japanese short-form tanka or haiku poem. Nothing excites me more than luscious, thick, white handmade paper, hand-embossing, and special effects such as sparkly mica powders on a print. I also believe the viewer should be allowed to touch the print in order to really appreciate it.
Print title: "Lavender Blue Moon"
Image size: 2" x 4"
Block: pine - crafters plaque.
Ink: Water-based. Guerra pigment dispersion paint, white and silver metallic Speedball.
Paper: Japanese Hosho.
Method: Japanese Moku hanga.
Printed with a baren.
My waka/tanka poem:
New Year's eve--
some sprigs trimmed for tonight's
lavender pillow;
midnight mist on my sleeves
scented with blue moon light.
Bette Norcross Wappner (b'oki)
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